TCS Tests Ice Scrapers: Three Models are Excellent
12.02.2026 | from Touring Club Suisse (TCS)
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Image rights: Touring Club Schweiz
12.02.2026, For a Frost-Free Windshield, You Need the Right Ice Scraper. TCS Examined Nine Models in a Detailed Test. The Results Showed That All Ice Scrapers Serve Their Purpose, But Simple Models Deliver Outstanding Results.
On a frosty winter morning, when walking to your car and finding iced-over windows, you need an ice scraper that quickly and reliably provides a clear view. At the beginning of this year, TCS extensively tested nine different ice scrapers. The most crucial criterion, naturally, was the effectiveness of ice removal, which significantly influenced the evaluation. Handling, build quality, safety, and additional features of the ice scrapers were also tested.
The test conducted by TCS experts revealed that all nine ice scrapers performed their tasks, and the differences were not very significant. However, the X-Treme model was a clear winner, achieving 85 out of 100 points. The X-Treme ice scraper impressed with effective and quick ice removal. It's a simple and robust ice scraper that performed its task effortlessly. At a purchase price of 4.50 Swiss francs on the survey date, it was also the second cheapest among the tested ice scrapers. The ProPlus and Walser models also scored more than 80 percent and were rated as 'excellent'. While the ProPlus ice scraper impressed with its compact form, the Walser model offered additional features like a cleaning rubber. However, at 24.95 Swiss francs, it was significantly more expensive than the simpler models.
The other six models scored between 79 and 60 points and were rated as 'highly recommended'. It was notable that the Kärcher ice scraper scored 60 points, yet at a purchase price of 54.90 Swiss francs on the survey date, it was the second most expensive. The Kärcher ice scraper removes ice using an electric rotatable disc with plastic blades. While this ensures safe handling, it is very slow, and due to the complex construction, it is also sensitive to impacts and falls.
The TCS test showed that essentially all models provide frost-free windows. Differences primarily lay in the core performance: how quickly and effectively the devices remove ice. It turned out that especially simple, robust, and cost-effective ice scrapers deliver very good results. Those looking for additional features will also find a wide variety of models available on the market.
The most important tips for
frost-free windows:
- Snow should be removed before scraping to avoid scratches on the glass surface.
- Apply even pressure when removing ice and avoid jerky movements.
- Remove thick ice gradually.
- Ice sprays can be used to assist, but they do not replace the ice scraper.
- Hot water should not be used for de-icing, as it can cause stress cracks or glass breakage.
- Running the engine during de-icing can result in a fine.
Press contact:
Marco Wölfli, TCS Media Spokesperson
Tel. +41 58 827 34 03
marco.woelfli@tcs.ch
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Touring Club Schweiz
Conclusion of this article: « TCS Tests Ice Scrapers: Three Models are Excellent »
Touring Club Suisse (TCS)
Founded in Geneva in 1896, the Touring Club Suisse (TCS) has been serving the Swiss population, advocating for safety, sustainability, and self-determination in personal mobility, both politically and socially. With more than 2000 employees and 23 regional sections, Switzerland's largest mobility club offers a wide range of services related to mobility, health, and leisure activities to its over 1.6 million members.
Every 70 seconds, a help service is provided. Annually, 200 patrol officers carry out approximately 361,000 operations on Swiss roads, enabling immediate continuation in more than 80% of cases. The ETI centre organizes roughly 63,000 support services each year, including 3,500 medical clarifications and over 1,300 repatriations. TCS Ambulance is the largest private player in emergency and medical transport in Switzerland, with 400 employees, 22 logistics bases, and about 45,000 operations annually. The legal protection offices handle 52,000 cases and provide around 10,000 legal consultations.
Since 1908, TCS has been committed to enhancing mobility safety, possible thanks to membership. It develops teaching materials, awareness and prevention campaigns, tests mobility infrastructures, and advises authorities. Each year, TCS distributes around 115,000 luminous belts and 90,000 safety vests to children to ensure their mobility safety. The driving centres educate and train 42,000 participants across all vehicle categories annually.
With 32 sites and around 900,000 overnight stays, TCS is also the largest camping provider in Switzerland. The TCS Mobility Academy researches and shapes transformations in transport, such as vertical drone mobility or shared mobility, for example with 400 'carvelo' electric cargo bikes and 43,000 users. TCS is a cosignatory of the Roadmap for Electromobility 2025.
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Source: Touring Club Suisse (TCS), Press release
Original article published on: TCS testet Eiskratzer: Drei Modelle sind hervorragend