Motoring experts warn simple de-icing tricks that could land you a heavy fine just before Christmas
Searches for ‘best de-icer’ have increased by 600% in the past 3 months
Experts reveal the dos and don’ts of de-icing to avoid over £2500 in fines around the festive season
While it has been the mildest November on record, the first winter frost has struck, meaning it’s finally time to prep for the cold winter season.
In fact, people are already preparing for the colder conditions. Automotive experts at Vertu have spotted a 600% rise in online searches for ‘best de-icer’ over the past three months.
However, with numerous de-icing tricks and tips circulating online, experts warns that some viral hacks can lead to vehicle damage or even hefty fines.
So, to help drivers avoid these pitfalls, the experts at Vertu have shared the essential dos and don'ts for de-icing your windscreen this winter.
Don’t: Scrape with the engine on
Though it may be tempting to speed up the process of de-icing your motor by using the heat from a running engine, this could land you a £20 fine due to the driver and environmental guidance in the Highway Code.
The most efficient way to defrost your windscreen is with an ice scraper and de-icer. Ice scrapers are designed to prevent scratching your windscreen, so don’t be tempted to use CDs or credit cards as these can scrape the glass. A can of de-icer costs around £2-£4 and will make scraping the ice off much easier.
Don’t: ‘Porthole’
A tempting but dangerous habit is portholing. This is when drivers only clear a patch of the windscreen, a ‘porthole’, to look through when they are driving.
This is dangerous and can land you with a hefty fine of £60 rising to £2,500 if your driving is deemed to be dangerous. Make sure that you always clear your entire windscreen before setting off.
Don’t: Use water to de-ice your screen
Using water of any temperature to de-ice windscreens is not advised. Hot water will cause the glass to expand, which can result in it cracking or even shattering, and cold water can freeze on top of existing ice and frost. Both methods can damage your windscreen, sometimes beyond repair.
This is why using windscreen washer fluid that is designed to be used in freezing temperatures is important. The solution lowers the freezing point of the fluid so you can safely clear your windscreen while driving and not damage your wipers or the windscreen.
Do: Check your wipers are turned off
In cold temperatures, car wipers can freeze to the glass overnight, so it is important to allow them time to defrost. If the wipers are turned on before they have defrosted, the frozen rubber will tear from the blade and potentially break the wipers.
You should also regularly check that your wipers are working properly. If you hear squeaking or the wipers are skipping and not removing debris properly, you must change your windscreen wipers to ensure you maintain good visibility in all conditions and avoid fines.
Do: Use the air-con
A common query many drivers have is how to de-mist their car windows after de-icing the exterior. There are a few easy steps to remember so you can start the process quickly and efficiently each time.
Once your sat in your car, turn on the heating to a low setting and gradually build up to a higher temperature, this will prevent the windows from fogging up even more. Then turn on the air-con to remove moisture from the air – if you don’t have working air-con, open the windows slightly for the same effect.
Do: Use windscreen and mirror covers
For those who really hate that frosty build up, there are some preventative measures you can take for a quick and safe departure.
Before frost is anticipated, simply cover your windscreen with a purpose-made windscreen cover and place mirror 'gloves' over your wing mirrors. In the morning, remove the covers, and your glass surfaces should be clear of ice, giving you a speedier start to the day.
So, there you have it, the dos and don’ts on how to de-ice your windscreen most effectively without landing a fine.