COLD winter weather can often be a pain for motorists who wake up to iced over windscreens – here are our top tips to get rid of it.
Insulated and waterproof covers
According to motoring experts at Wessex Fleet, drivers can avoid having to defrost their windscreen by using an insulated and waterproof cover on it overnight.
They explain: “When cold weather comes, many drivers benefit from putting an insulated waterproof cover over their windscreen to prevent ice from building up on the windscreen overnight.
“It’s much more convenient and quicker on a frosty morning to remove a cover than to clear the windscreen, it also reduces the risk of accidental damage caused by the tools used to do so.”
Better yet, these types of covers won’t hit your hard in the pocket – with the most basic ones available on Amazon for only £1.98.
Methylated spirits
A dash of methylated spirits, which will only cost you 5p if you buy a £5 bottle from your local supermarket, can be a quick way to defrost your car’s windscreen.
Content creator Steve, also known as @neonretrofurniture, posted a TikTok video explaining how to use it.
Steve said: “Do you want to know the best thing to clean your frozen windscreen with? Clear the ice off your car in seconds with this.”
In the video, the car owner shows his windscreen completely frozen.
He then proceeds to splash the mix on the iced windshield – which then appears to instantly melt on the video.
When he jumps back into his vehicle and puts the windscreen wipers on to clean all the extra liquid.
In the clip he said: “Sorted! Lovely job.”
However, some viewers commented the method may “not be the best” for paintwork or the environment, highlighting that the flammable liquid he used could be damaging.
Rubbing alcohol mixed with washing-up liquid
According to LeaseCar.uk, a mixture of rubbing alcohol mixed with washing-up liquid can help thin out a thick layer of ice.
By spraying the solution onto the ice and wiping it over with a microfibre cloth, the solution thins out any thick layer of ice on your car, helping to get you on the road sooner.
Bagged warm water
By running some water from a warm (but not hot) tap into a sealable plastic bag, you can help quickly defrost your car’s windshield.
You can then rub this gently across the frozen glass, heating the ice and causing it to melt.
Just make sure that the water isn’t too warm as this could damage the windscreen.
Scraper
The classic tried and tested method of using a scraper to get ice off is the most accessible method, although it may require a lot of elbow grease to get thick layers removed.
Scraping your windscreen before setting off is one of winter’s most tiresome tasks – especially when it’s freezing cold outside.
Damaging your windscreen in the process can only make it worse.
And it could earn you a £1,000 fine if you’re caught driving with an obscured view of the road.
This winter, make sure you do it right by using only mild to moderate pressure on your windscreen.
The frost on your vehicle could contain rocks and other sharp material, which could crack your windshield if it’s pressed too hard.
