One of the first winter car tasks drivers must deal with is a frosty windshield. Using the defrost feature in your car, along with some simple steps can help you get on the road faster.

First, make sure the defroster button is pressed so that the heated air will be directed to your windshield. Some cars also have a separate defroster setting for the rear windows, so be sure to press that as well. It's important to keep in mind that the heat will make the windshield and other windows foggy initially, but the fog will clear as the heated air removes moisture from the glass.

Turning on the air-con is another way to help defog your car. However, if you do this, remember that you'll have to remain in your vehicle with the engine running (the air-con will remove moisture from the air to stop your car from misting up). You should only do this if you are comfortable staying in your vehicle for several minutes. It's also important to note that thieves look for cars that are left unattended with the engines running - leaving your car while you go back inside will make it more likely to be stolen.

Finally, if you haven't done so already, grab your plastic ice scraper and a rag with some water mixed with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. Using this solution on your windshield can help remove the fog in no time, and it's far better than reaching for metal tools that can easily scratch your glass or cause a costly accident in the future.