What does a windscreen defroster do?

A defroster clears mist, frost and ice from your windscreen by directing warm air or running current through heating elements, restoring clear visibility. Products such as a windscreen de-icer help melt ice quickly on cold mornings.

What are the signs of a defroster problem?

Signs include the windscreen staying misted or frosted, weak or no warm airflow to the glass, or heated-screen elements that no longer clear a section of the window. Slow demisting often points to an airflow or heating fault.

Will a de-icer or defroster product suit my car?

Windscreen de-icer sprays suit any vehicle, while heated-element or blower defroster components are vehicle-specific. Enter your registration above to confirm fitment for parts tied to your exact make and model.

How much does a de-icer cost?

The price of a defroster depends on your exact vehicle and the brand you choose. Enter your registration above to see parts confirmed to fit, then compare prices from the brands we stock on this page. Free UK delivery on orders over £99.

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Defroster buying guide — what to know before you buy

A defroster — whether a windscreen de-icer spray, electric heated screen additive, or windscreen washer antifreeze — is essential winter kit for keeping glass clear and maintaining safe forward visibility. In the UK, driving with an obscured windscreen is both dangerous and an offence under the Highway Code.

Types of defroster product

Aerosol de-icer sprays use alcohol-based solvents that lower the freezing point of ice on contact, dissolving it rapidly. They are the most immediate solution for clearing a frozen windscreen but must be applied generously to thick ice. Concentrated windscreen wash antifreeze is added to the washer reservoir to prevent the fluid from freezing in the reservoir, pipes, and jets — a critical item since frozen washer jets will prevent windscreen cleaning during winter driving.

Heated windscreen fluid additives can be added to standard screen wash to enhance its de-icing performance. Purpose-made winter screen wash concentrates already incorporate this property and are the simplest option.

Using a defroster safely

Allow the vehicle heating system to run for a few minutes while applying de-icer spray — the combination of chemical de-icing and interior warm air clears glass much faster than spray alone. Never use boiling water on glass, as the thermal shock can crack the windscreen. Always clear the entire windscreen, not just a small area to peer through — this is a legal as well as a practical requirement.

Protect the car overnight with a windscreen frost cover to avoid the need for de-icing on the coldest mornings. Ensure heated rear window and mirrors are functioning correctly before winter sets in.