This simple winter mistake could cost some Aussies $600—are you making it too?
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Winter mornings in Australia can be a real test of patience—especially when you’re faced with a car that’s more icebox than vehicle.
We’ve all been there: you’re running late, the windows are fogged up or frosted over, and you just want to get moving.
But as one Adelaide driver recently discovered, a simple misstep in your winter routine could leave you with a shattered window and a hefty bill to match.
Let’s set the scene: it’s a frosty morning in Adelaide, and social media user Jackson Gilbert is just trying to get on with his day. Like many of us, he hops in his car, flicks on the rear window demister, and waits for the magic to happen.
But instead of a clear view, he’s greeted with a loud crack—and a rear window that’s suddenly in pieces.
The culprit? A combination of freezing temperatures and a demister, which, under the wrong circumstances, can spell disaster for your car’s glass.
Jackson shared his misfortune online, warning fellow drivers: ‘When it was so cold in Adelaide that you put your demister on and your window shatters… FYI: Insurance won’t cover it. $1000 excess.’
Ouch! In the end, he was left with a $600 repair bill, and a valuable lesson learned the hard way.
So, what actually happened here? While using your demister is usually a safe and sensible way to clear fog or frost, it can be risky if your window already has a small chip or crack, or if the temperature difference is extreme.
Glass expands and contracts with temperature changes, and a sudden blast of heat on a freezing-cold window can cause it to crack—or, in rare cases, shatter completely.
The online community was quick to chime in, with some expressing disbelief: ‘Man, there was something wrong with that glass. I can turn my deicer on at -40° and that doesn't happen.
No way it gets that cold in Adelaide,’ one commenter said. Others, especially those from colder climates, were surprised, but a few pointed out that instant temperature changes can stress any glass, regardless of where you live.
So, what’s the safest way to defrost your car windows in winter?
Top Tips for Clearing Frost and Fog—Without Breaking the Bank (or Your Window):
1. Start Slow: If your windows are icy, avoid blasting them with hot air straight away. Instead, start your car and let it idle for a few minutes. This allows the interior to warm up gradually, reducing the risk of thermal shock to the glass.
2. Use Cold or Lukewarm Water: Pouring hot water on a frozen window is a big no-no—it can cause the glass to crack instantly. If you must use water, make sure it’s cold or just slightly warm, and pour it gently over the glass to help melt the ice.
3. Check for Damage: Before winter hits, inspect your windows for chips or cracks. Even a tiny imperfection can become a big problem when temperatures drop. Get any damage repaired as soon as possible.
4. Use the Demister Wisely: Once the ice has started to melt and the glass is no longer freezing cold, you can safely use your demister to clear any remaining fog. If your car has a heated rear window, use it sparingly and only after the glass has warmed up a bit.
5. Invest in a Windscreen Cover: If you park outside, a simple windscreen cover can save you a lot of hassle. It prevents frost from forming in the first place, so you can just peel it off and go.
6. Keep a Soft Scraper Handy: For light frost, a plastic scraper or even a credit card can do the trick. Just be gentle to avoid scratching the glass.
As Jackson found out, not all insurance policies cover glass damage—especially if it’s considered a result of user error or a pre-existing fault.
Always check your policy details, and consider adding glass cover if it’s not already included. It could save you hundreds in the long run.
Have you ever had a winter mishap with your car? Do you have any tried-and-true tips for defrosting your windows safely? Share your stories and advice in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you! Stay warm, stay safe, and happy driving this winter!
We’ve all been there: you’re running late, the windows are fogged up or frosted over, and you just want to get moving.
But as one Adelaide driver recently discovered, a simple misstep in your winter routine could leave you with a shattered window and a hefty bill to match.
Let’s set the scene: it’s a frosty morning in Adelaide, and social media user Jackson Gilbert is just trying to get on with his day. Like many of us, he hops in his car, flicks on the rear window demister, and waits for the magic to happen.
But instead of a clear view, he’s greeted with a loud crack—and a rear window that’s suddenly in pieces.
The culprit? A combination of freezing temperatures and a demister, which, under the wrong circumstances, can spell disaster for your car’s glass.
Jackson shared his misfortune online, warning fellow drivers: ‘When it was so cold in Adelaide that you put your demister on and your window shatters… FYI: Insurance won’t cover it. $1000 excess.’
An Adelaide driver shattered his rear window after using the demister on a very cold morning, resulting in a $600 replacement bill. Image source: Eilis Garvey / Unsplash.
Ouch! In the end, he was left with a $600 repair bill, and a valuable lesson learned the hard way.
So, what actually happened here? While using your demister is usually a safe and sensible way to clear fog or frost, it can be risky if your window already has a small chip or crack, or if the temperature difference is extreme.
Glass expands and contracts with temperature changes, and a sudden blast of heat on a freezing-cold window can cause it to crack—or, in rare cases, shatter completely.
The online community was quick to chime in, with some expressing disbelief: ‘Man, there was something wrong with that glass. I can turn my deicer on at -40° and that doesn't happen.
No way it gets that cold in Adelaide,’ one commenter said. Others, especially those from colder climates, were surprised, but a few pointed out that instant temperature changes can stress any glass, regardless of where you live.
So, what’s the safest way to defrost your car windows in winter?
Top Tips for Clearing Frost and Fog—Without Breaking the Bank (or Your Window):
1. Start Slow: If your windows are icy, avoid blasting them with hot air straight away. Instead, start your car and let it idle for a few minutes. This allows the interior to warm up gradually, reducing the risk of thermal shock to the glass.
2. Use Cold or Lukewarm Water: Pouring hot water on a frozen window is a big no-no—it can cause the glass to crack instantly. If you must use water, make sure it’s cold or just slightly warm, and pour it gently over the glass to help melt the ice.
3. Check for Damage: Before winter hits, inspect your windows for chips or cracks. Even a tiny imperfection can become a big problem when temperatures drop. Get any damage repaired as soon as possible.
4. Use the Demister Wisely: Once the ice has started to melt and the glass is no longer freezing cold, you can safely use your demister to clear any remaining fog. If your car has a heated rear window, use it sparingly and only after the glass has warmed up a bit.
5. Invest in a Windscreen Cover: If you park outside, a simple windscreen cover can save you a lot of hassle. It prevents frost from forming in the first place, so you can just peel it off and go.
6. Keep a Soft Scraper Handy: For light frost, a plastic scraper or even a credit card can do the trick. Just be gentle to avoid scratching the glass.
As Jackson found out, not all insurance policies cover glass damage—especially if it’s considered a result of user error or a pre-existing fault.
Always check your policy details, and consider adding glass cover if it’s not already included. It could save you hundreds in the long run.
Have you ever had a winter mishap with your car? Do you have any tried-and-true tips for defrosting your windows safely? Share your stories and advice in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you! Stay warm, stay safe, and happy driving this winter!
