I have two different types of ice scrapers. There is the metal edged one that I use for thin ice because it is flexible enough to bend to the curve of the windshield. The other is a 3/8" thick heavy duty plastic one, as Ironraven suggests, for thick ice / freezing rain. This type of ice will destroy the metal edge type. I also carry a can of spray lock deicer in my coat, since the guy from AAA melted the plastic mechanism in my wife's car while thawing the lock with a highway flare.