Texas Residents Face Snow and Ice; Experts Warn Against Using Hot Water to De-Ice

Recently, a powerful cold snap swept across the southern United States, blanketing much of Texas in several inches of ice and snow. A woman originally from New Hampshire who now lives in Texas posted a video on TikTok warning drivers not to pour hot water on frozen windshields. She explained that the sudden temperature change can cause thermal shock, leading the glass to crack—especially if it already has existing damage. The correct approach, she advised, is to start the car and use the defroster and heater to gradually melt the ice from the inside. The video has garnered over 100,000 views and sparked widespread discussion online, with many users admitting they’ve damaged their windshields this way. Experts also recommend keeping supplies like an ice scraper, emergency blanket, and traction sand on hand, and avoiding leaving your vehicle unattended.