Winter Ice solutions?

[page3]

I know similar questions are asked every year, but a search only brought up a few hits, so I thought I'd ask here to see what you lot do.

My S3 is my only car and used all year round. I've no garage so it stays out in all weather.

Last night, it took me ages to de-ice both the outside and inside of the windscreen, and longer still to see anythning out the back. Car always seems to start first time though (tooch wood)

What are the best solutions? I've got a short list thus:

1. Use the car cover when I can. I assume I cannot use this if the car is already wet/iced so only get to do this about 10% of the time.

2. Rain-X anti-fog on the inside windscreen. Never tried this but seen lots of recommendations. Can it be used on the inside of the rear screen too?

3. A plug in heater? There seem to be two types, a standard fan and the ceramic type. The latter appears to get more recommendations. Will this sap too much battery power? Are they any good? Isn't there a 'slow heater' type thing I can leave on all night? Would some sort of moisture remover be better and if so where can I get one?

I know - more questions here than than answers! Can anyone help?

[WildfireS3]

I also use the car all year round and it's stored outside.

I put my Leven Shower cap on the car regardless, every day and night. Even if the car is wet. If it is really wet I try and dry it off with a towel or similar before putting the cover on. Then when it is dry I dry the inside of the cover off indoors.

I also use rainX which is pretty good when your wiper fuse blows out in the rain. You can't put it on the rear window, or so I've been told.

Not sure about the plug in heaters.

I would reccomend suing the cover or at least a cloth or similar over the screen to prevent icing.

[WonkyGibbon]

page3 said:

1. Use the car cover when I can. I assume I cannot use this if the car is already wet/iced so only get to do this about 10% of the time.

I'm in the same boat myself. Someone - did explain why you couldn't use the car cover when the car was wet - but I can't remember why it was now. Anyone know ? I tend to put it on in torrential rain as the other night - as otherwise she'd be a fish tank by morning !

[Rozza!!!]

WonkyGibbon said:

page3 said: 1. Use the car cover when I can. I assume I cannot use this if the car is already wet/iced so only get to do this about 10% of the time. I'm in the same boat myself. Someone - did explain why you couldn't use the car cover when the car was wet - but I can't remember why it was now. Anyone know ? I tend to put it on in torrential rain as the other night - as otherwise she'd be a fish tank by morning !

I think it was something to do with any trapped moisture if left for a length of time would damage your paintwork.

Roy.

[WildfireS3]

Ah, I just use the shower cap, not a full cover, going to get one just for the really cold weather.

[WonkyGibbon]

Rozza!!! said:

WonkyGibbon said: page3 said: 1. Use the car cover when I can. I assume I cannot use this if the car is already wet/iced so only get to do this about 10% of the time. I'm in the same boat myself. Someone - did explain why you couldn't use the car cover when the car was wet - but I can't remember why it was now. Anyone know ? I tend to put it on in torrential rain as the other night - as otherwise she'd be a fish tank by morning ! I think it was something to do with any trapped moisture if left for a length of time would damage your paintwork. Roy.

Doesn't sound like it would be a big deal then - if you uncover it every morning to drive to work. Also - a good waxing should provide a degree of protection from this sort of problem shouldn't it ?

[page3]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I'm still interested in finding an overnight heater 'thing' - I'm sure it must exist!

My cover (from Classiccarcovers) is a full cover, but has breathing 'holes' with flaps over them to stop rain getting in.

I found a way to see out the back window - put the roof down- but the stares I got were amazing

[shnozz]

WildfireS3 said:

I also use rainX which is pretty good when your wiper fuse blows out in the rain. You can't put it on the rear window, or so I've been told.

I have used rainX on my rear plastic window of the S3 and the Chimaera with no problems at all. if anything, its better on that window than the windscreen due to the lack of wiper...

I also use the RainX anti-fog stuff. Not quite as good to write home about as the RainX but still worth the money to help prevent Tina Turner singing Steamy Windows, which is a truly crap song.

I would agree that a cover is a good thing. I bought mine from Classic Additions and its perfect size for the car. If you buy 100% waterproof and its a cover for the entire car then its not good if you put it on when the car is at all damp or wet - it traps the moisture under the cover...

I bought a showerproof one (98% waterproof) - this allows it to breath just a tiny bit and therefore you can put it on with the vehicle damp or wet.

Allegedly the Halfords/Argos covers will ruin paint over a prolonged period of time. I used them on the S occassionally with no problem but can see an argument if used a lot....

[craigy]

Don't do it!!!!!

I posted a thread on this some while ago.

I put my fleece lined full cover on and buggered my paintwork (absorbed moisture / went milky and caused some crazing)

Admittedly, this was while it was raining and the engine was hot, but still doesn't account for the crazing.

I'm sorry guys, but i had to show ultimate commitment and i moved house to one with a garage.

Don't say anything, but i've sold the car cover to my next door neighbour who has a Chim 450!!! (with instructions on when not to use it).

IMHO I reckon a fully waterproof hood cover is the way forward.

Cheers Craig

[keirangrogan]

You could try this,
www.sales-services.co.uk/html/ceramic_car_heater.html

I wouldn't leave it on overnight though as the car will probably melt aswell.

[page3]

Right, back from Halfords (oh how I hate that place) with a large selection of different coloured bottles:

- Rain-X Anti-fog (black bottle)
- Rain-X Repellant (yellow bottle)
- Rain-X Windscreen Washer (Pink)
- Halfords water resistant sealant (blue bottle)
- Bell Moisture Mate (White bottle- ok box)

All this for a car that doesn't actually leak

[page3]

shnozz said:

I have used rainX on my rear plastic window of the S3 and the Chimaera with no problems at all. if anything, its better on that window than the windscreen due to the lack of wiper...

Have you also tried the anti-fog rain-x on the back plastic window? It says not to be used on plastic, but then so does the standard Rain-X so I'm hoping it will be ok?

Just to give an update - I used Rain-X and Rain-X Anti-fog on the front windscreen, side windows and mirrors and it is a lot better. Recommended.

[walsingham]

On the outside, rain ex and an orange mobile swipe card does the trick for me.

On the inside, one of those clever 'absorbs three times it's own weight in water' cloths. A couple of them.

Far too lazy for a hood cover. And mine has scratched my paintwork flapping about in the wind.

Let the thing get wet and then dry it out with a long hot drive.

[RichardR]

WildfireS3 said:

I would reccomend suing the cover

I think you'd have trouble making the case stick!