How to Use Newspaper on Your Car Windshield to Prevent Ice Overnight
Waking up on a freezing winter morning only to find your car windshield covered in thick ice is one of the season’s biggest annoyances. Most people spend minutes scraping it off, but there’s a much easier solution — using newspaper.
Yes, that old-fashioned stack of papers can save you from frozen glass and cold hands. Here’s how it works and how to do it properly.
Why Newspaper Works
Newspaper acts as a protective barrier between the cold air and the glass. It prevents frost from forming directly on your windshield by blocking moisture in the air from settling and freezing. When you remove the newspaper in the morning, your windshield stays clear and ice-free.
How to Do It:
Prepare your car at night:
Make sure the windshield is clean and dry before covering it.
Lay sheets of newspaper across the windshield:
Use several layers if temperatures are very low. Overlap the papers slightly so no glass is exposed.
Secure the edges:
Close the car doors on the paper edges or use windshield wipers to hold them down. You can also tape the corners lightly with masking tape (never duct tape, as it can leave marks).
Remove in the morning:
Simply lift the papers off — the glass underneath should be clear and ice-free.
Extra Tips:
If snow is expected, you can cover the newspaper with a plastic bag or garbage bag for extra protection.
Don’t use wet or damp newspaper — it can freeze and stick to the glass.
Recycle or reuse the newspaper afterward.
By using this simple trick, you can skip the morning scraping routine, save time, and protect your windshield — all with something you already have at home.