ice scraper

Only possible in two situations: 1) if the material the scraper is made of is harder than the glass the windows are made of, you can scratch the glass (not very likely, unless you're using something to do the scraping that just plain shouldn't be used for that purpose - perhaps a chunk of concrete, etc) or 2) if there's something (gravel, sand, etc) embedded in the ice that's harder than the glass, and you "scrub it into" the glass (not particularly likely, since when scraping, you're going to be trying to "lift" the stuff off the glass, rather than mash it down)

The speed of scraping should have no effect on whether the glass is scratched. If the scraper is designed for scraping other surfaces than glass then you might very well scratch the glass. For example if a putty knife ot taping knife was used then the glass would likely be scratched. But a scraper with a plastic blade that is designed for windows should not scratch the glass.

What kind of scraper are you using?

I have been scraping ice off for 40 years or more and have never scratched any using a 'plastic' ice scraper. Now being stuck without a plastic ice scraper and using something inappropriate, well....

Mike

These days, there's no such thing as being stuck and forced to resort to something inappropriate - Every driver's license from every state where I've ever held one makes a reasonably good ice scraper, and since, according to the law, you must be in possession of your license if you're driving...

But, just for grins and giggles, let's assume you *ARE* someplace without your license (we'll ignore the legalities and just concentrate on pure practicality) - What do you do then?

You say "piss on it". Literally!

While a revolting concept to many, the fact is that urine "fresh from the tap" is a damn fine window de-icer - It's warm, so the ice melts, and it's salty, so the ice melts even more.

(You don't wanna know how I know this... Just take it on faith :) )

Should you tank up on Guiness before hand? (again, legalities aside...)

Probably wouldn't hurt :)

Don't get the ice scrapers that have the metal edge. The metal looks brassy, but it did scratch my windshield. It was advertised as good for ice and wont scratch. The metal edge bends and it scratches glass. (Probably made in China)

Even an aluminum pop can end used as a scraper 'will' scratch glass. Metal is a no no!

Mike