A chilly spell is set to hit the UK, with widespread alerts for snow and ice in the coming days. This could pose a hazard for motorists, particularly when it comes to ice on windscreens, which must always be fully cleared before setting off.
Good visibility is crucial for ensuring your safety and that of other road users, but it’s no secret that removing ice can be a tedious and time-consuming task. A trick that has been gaining popularity online in recent years promises to quickly eliminate any windscreen ice, allowing you to set off quickly.
However, a motoring expert has warned that this viral method can cause damage if not done correctly.
READ MORE: Nasa engineer’s four-step trick that defrosts your car windscreen in seconds
The technique involves filling a plastic bag with warm water to clear a windscreen of any overnight ice, reports the Express. But drivers should exercise extreme caution when doing this, as one simple error could result in significant damage.
Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, advised: “Putting warm water – as opposed to boiling hot water – into a sandwich bag before sealing it and dragging the bag slowly across the face of the window is a relatively safe hack.
“But if you make the mistake of using red-hot water, you’re asking for trouble. Just like pouring boiling water directly onto a windscreen, the rapid change in extreme temperatures could cause the glass to crack.”
Graham also highlighted another potential pitfall when it comes to de-icing your car’s windscreen. He said: “I think there’s also a danger that people will use the wrong type of bag. A sandwich bag is smooth, soft and pliable, and is unlikely to scratch the windscreen’s glass.
“But using something like a more robust ‘bag for life’, one with sharp edges on the bottom, is not to be recommended, as you could end up scarring the windscreen and causing long-term damage to the glass.”
Good visibility is crucial when driving in winter
(Image: Getty)
Graham also emphasised the importance of using conventional de-icer sprays but mentioned an alternative home solution: “Another hack you can try is to mix three parts vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a natural antifreeze, and even one quick spray will begin to break down the ice on your windows.”
He cautioned drivers about the common practice of leaving cars running to warm up, saying: “You should also be careful about leaving your car running to heat-up the interior.
“Many drivers automatically tend to wake up extra early to whack the heating up in their car. Whilst this won’t consume a significant amount of fuel, it can actually shorten the life of your engine if done repeatedly.
“For me, prevention is better than cure. Cover your windscreen with cardboard, or a dedicated screen overnight, and you can also wrap carrier bags around your wing mirrors to stop them from freezing in the night.”
If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here