We have all been there: you’re running late for work or the school run and dash out of the door, only to realise that the windscreen is covered in a solid layer of frost. Without breaking the law by leaving the car idling on the road outside or driving with a “window” of vision in the ice, the de-icing process is likely to add at least another five minutes – and cold fingers - to your already stressful morning.
As with many car-related issues, when it comes to dealing with frosty windscreens, prevention is definitely better than cure. You can use simple household items to protect your wing mirrors and windscreen from frosting up. Taking just a couple of minutes to do, they will save you a good five minutes, not to mention high stress levels, in the morning.
The quickest and easiest way to prevent your windscreen from freezing is, of course, to give it shelter. This could mean parking in a car port or garage or, if actual shelter isn’t available, you could invest in a windscreen shield or car cover. A good one will withstand all but the most extreme weather and protect your car from the elements. However, if you don’t have the time or inclination to buy a windscreen cover, any old towel will do! Simply lay it over your windscreen and trap the edges in the front doors. It is important that the towel is big enough to cover all – or most – of the glass as just a little bit of exposed glass will allow the frost in.
Once your windscreen is tucked in for the night, you can turn your attention to the wing mirrors. Grab two plastic bags (shopping bags or small bin liners) and secure them over your wing mirrors. When Jack Frost hits, it’ll freeze the bags and not the mirrors, allowing you to remove the layer of frost in seconds – simple!
Assuming that you forgot to cover your windscreen up, and you are faced with a frosty windscreen, it is a good idea to remind yourself of the things that you shouldn’t do. NEVER leave your vehicle idling without a driver in a public place; if your vehicle is stolen by an opportunist, your insurance will be invalid.
NEVER pour boiling water over the windscreen, it could damage the windscreen or worsen existing chips and cracks, forcing you to get it replaced.
NEVER scrape a porthole just big enough to see through and hope for the best.
NEVER use the windscreen wipers until you are 100% sure that the windscreen is fully defrosted as this could break the motor.
If you need to deice in a hurry and you don’t have a good scraper and de-icer, a sandwich bag (or hot water bottle) filled with warm water rubbed over the windscreen is a good quick fix. If you don’t have either of those to hand, a sponge soaked in warm salt water can help.
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