How to Use Newspaper on Your Car Windshield to Prevent Ice Overnight
Winter mornings can be a real headache for drivers. Waking up to a car covered in frost and ice means scraping your windshield, wasting time, and sometimes even running the risk of damaging your glass. Fortunately, a simple, inexpensive household item—newspaper—can help prevent ice from forming on your car overnight.
Here’s how to make it work effectively.
Why Newspaper Works
Newspaper acts as a barrier between your windshield and the cold air. While it doesn’t magically stop frost from forming entirely, it significantly reduces ice buildup by:
- Blocking direct exposure to freezing temperatures
- Absorbing a small amount of moisture, preventing it from freezing on the glass
- Making morning cleanup much faster and easier
Materials You’ll Need
- Old newspapers (enough to cover the windshield)
- Rubber bands or string (optional, for securing the paper)
- Cloth or towel (optional, for extra protection)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean Your Windshield
Make sure your windshield is free of dirt, debris, or leftover ice. A clean surface helps the newspaper stick better and prevents scratches. - Lay Down the Newspaper
Spread sheets of newspaper across the windshield, ensuring complete coverage. For extra protection, you can layer the paper 2–3 sheets thick. - Secure the Paper (Optional)
If it’s windy, use rubber bands around the side mirrors or tuck the edges under the windshield wipers to prevent the paper from blowing away. - Cover Other Vulnerable Areas
If your car’s rear windshield or side mirrors tend to freeze, you can cover them with smaller pieces of newspaper or a cloth. - Remove in the Morning
In the morning, simply remove the newspaper. Most of the frost will have stayed on the paper, leaving your windshield largely ice-free.
Extra Tips for Best Results
- Use thicker newspapers for colder nights; more layers mean better protection.
- Combine with a light spray of water mixed with a little vinegar (3:1 ratio) before covering—this can further reduce ice formation.
- Avoid wet newspapers; damp paper can freeze onto the glass and make the problem worse.
- Keep a spare newspaper in your car if you forget to cover the windshield at night—scraping ice with paper is gentler than metal scrapers.
Why This Method Is Helpful
Using newspaper is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to commercial windshield covers. It saves time, reduces the risk of scratching your windshield, and requires no special tools. While it won’t completely replace careful winter driving habits, it makes those freezing mornings much more manageable.
Final Thoughts
A few sheets of newspaper can make a big difference when it comes to preventing ice buildup on your windshield. By setting this simple routine in place during the cold months, you can start your day warmer, safer, and stress-free—no scraping or chipping required.
