If you require a quick answer, the best de-icer is the Autoglym DI500, which is a concentrated formula that’s highly effective and operates to -50. However, if you require a “night before” car de-icer, the CarPlan Demon Ice is the best alternative and it also benefits from doubling up as a standard de-icer.
To rate the car de-icers within this article, we based our recommendations upon testing multiple different formulas (as shown in the “How We Rated” section below). We also based our recommendations upon plenty of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the type, effectiveness, formulation, melting point, finish left behind (i.e. no smearing), size and value for money.
Table of Contents
Car De-Icer Comparison
| De-Icer | Type | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Autoglym DI500 | Spray | 500 ml |
| CarPlan Demon Ice | Night Before Spray | 1,000 ml |
| CarPlan Blue Star | Aerosol | 600 ml |
| Prestone Rapid | Spray | 500 ml |
| Polar Kit | Aerosol | 500 ml |
| Holts Professional | Aerosol | 300 or 600 ml |
Below is a list of the best car de-icers that are suitable for all glass and work in temperatures as low as -50.
The Best De-Icer
1. Autoglym Car De-Icer
Although Autoglym are mostly known for their detailing products, they do offer other products such as this de-icer. It’s an easy to use spray bottle that efficiently de-ices and operates as low as -50, which is very impressive.
Other features of the Autoglym De-Icer include:
- 500 ml spray bottle
- Operates at -50
- Highly concentrated formula
- Leaves behind no smear marks
- Made in the UK
To conclude, the Autoglym De-Icer is by far the best de-icer on the market that works well and offers great value for the money. It’s also backed by the highly reputable Autoglym brand for complete peace of mind.
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2. Carplan Night Before Deicer
The CarPlan Demon Ice is a relatively unique formula because it’s a “night before” deicer that aims to prevent overnight freezing. It also doubles up as a standard de-icer that’s fast acting and operates to -20.
Other features of the CarPlan Demon Ice include:
- Suitable for use the night before or in the mornings
- Prevents overnight freezing
- Pleasant cherry fragrance
- Large 1 litre spray bottle
- Made in the UK
If you are looking to beat the morning deicing routine, the CarPlan Demon Ice is the best night before deicer. Unlike similar alternatives, this particular formula even doubles up as a normal deicer and this can be very useful.
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3. CarPlan Blue Star De-Icer
Another popular de-icer by CarPlan and also one of the cheapest on the market is their Blue Star aerosol formula. According to the brand, it’s specifically designed to defrost windscreens and melt ice fast.
Other features of the CarPlan Blue Star include:
- 600 ml aerosol
- Operates down to -15
- Powerful and fast acting
- Leaves behind a clear finish
Overall, the CarPlan Blue Star is the best budget de-icer that comes in a large aerosol and provides fast acting de-icing on all car windows and windscreens.
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4. Prestone Rapid Deicer
Prestone are a highly reputable brand in the UK and they are well-known for their premium products. Their Rapid De-Icer is a great example and it’s able to melt ice down to -40 and it works in seconds. The brand themselves even state that no other de-icer on the market works faster than their formula.
Other features of the Prestone Rapid De-Icer include:
- Melts down to -40
- Prevents refreezing
- Concentrated formulation
- Safe on all types of glass
- 500 ml bottle capacity
Although expensive, the Prestone Rapid De-Icer is one of the best formulas on the market that promises fast results. The only minor drawback is that it does produce a strong chemical smell once applied.
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5. Polar De-Icer Spray
The Polar De-Icer Spray is a premium option that’s designed specifically for cars and is most effective at clearing ice, snow, slush and sleet. Although available as separate aerosol cans, the brand also offer it as a kit (2 x aerosols and a scraper) or as a pack of 12 for those that want a bulk buy option.
Other features of the Polar De-Icer Spray include:
- Operates at -20
- Prevents re-freezing
- Melts ice fast
- 500 ml aerosols
- Made in the UK
Overall, the Polar De-Icer does exactly what it says on the tin and it’s a fast and effective way at removing frost or ice. It isn’t the cheapest but it’s a high quality option that won’t disappoint.
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6. Holts Professional De-Icer
The Holts Car De-icer is a highly rated option that comes in a pack of six and a choice of either 300 or 600 ml aerosol cans. In terms of its performance, the brand state that it’s capable of working up to -15.
Other features of the Holts Professional De-icer include:
- Suitable for all types of glass
- Fast acting formulation
- Leaves no smear marks
- Choice of 300 or 600 ml aerosols
- Comes in a pack of six
- Made in the UK
Overall, the Holts Professional is an excellent all-round de-icer for cars that comes in a bulk buy pack of six. It’s also backed by a reputable UK brand for complete peace of mind.
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How We Rated
There is nothing worse than forgetting to buy a de-icer and having to wait in the cold for your car to heat up and clear the windows. Therefore, every winter, it’s highly recommended that you purchase a new bottle of de-icer so that you are ready for the cold winter mornings.
To save you the hassle and time of researching the latest available, we’ve tried and tested a number of de-icers. Whilst testing the de-icers, we considered their effectiveness, finish left behind (i.e. no smearing) and their affordability. As shown in the photo, we also tested de-icers in the form of a spray and aerosol.
As well as testing a range of formulas, we also based our recommendations within this article upon hours of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the type, effectiveness, formulation, melting point, finish left behind, size and value for money.
Below is a video that we posted onto our Instagram page that shows us testing two of the de-icers upon a frozen windscreen. During this test, we used two different types (spray and aerosol) to display the difference.
Conclusion
Although some people prefer to use a scraper, a quality de-icer will always be far more effective. Even if you use the best rated ice scraper on the market, you’ll still need to put in the effort to scrape away any ice and spend more of your time outside in the cold. De-icers on the other hand spray straight onto the frozen area and get to work instantly. All of our recommendations above are suitable for use on all car windows and windscreens and they certainly won’t disappoint.
