17 October 2023 , 14:41
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The mornings are getting much colder which can only mean one thing - frosty car windows. Whether you're heading out for work or off on the school run, ice on your windscreen is a pain. But it's important to remove it correctly to prevent any damage to the glass.
Thankfully Roger Griggs of car servicing and repair company Kwik Fit is on hand to share his do's and don'ts for de-icing - and it's going to make the winter months a lot easier for motorists. One major error people make is to throw a kettle of boiling water over the windows. Big mistake, according to Roger, because the contrast between the cold glass and hot water "can result in a cracked window and an expensive bill".
If you have social media, you have no doubt spotted a number of hacks doing the rounds when it comes to icy cars. One involves motorists using a sealed sandwich bag filled with moderately-warm water to rest against the glass to help it clear. But that flexing can make the glass crack even if you're using only warm water. And it's especially hazardous if your windscreen has a small chip or crack in it already, Roger told the Daily Mail.
Another common mistake is forgetting to de-ice all your windows - not just the windscreen - and leaving the car unattended with the engine running, or with the keys in. And what about the recent craze of rubbing a potato onto the inside of your windows to stop them from steaming up.? While this could technically work, it's certainly not advisable, according to the pro, given that smearing anything on your windows can reduce visibility when driving.
So, what should we be doing? It might seem obvious, but many of us forget - buy a proper window scraper. While some suggest a credit card can make a good substitute, Roger says these should be avoided - not least because you could destroy your card or scratch the windscreen. A specifically-designed scraper will do the job far more effectively.
Tips to stop windscreen freezing and prevent blades from sticking to window
And Roger has another top tip for us. "Assuming you don't have a garage - if you do, the car should be in it, if possible - then park as close to the house as you can, [as] the heat from the home could help prevent ice forming. If you can't park close to buildings, try to point your car to the east so the windscreen will be the first part of the car the sun hits."
It's also recommended that you cover your windscreen during the wintertime. Roger says: "Some owners have a full car cover, but if that feels a bit over the top or expensive, covering your windscreen with a blanket or cardboard will help. But make sure it's secure – a windy night could see your cover disappearing down the road."
It's also important to allow enough time for the windscreen to defrost properly. Some de-icer sprays can be used on your car windows the night before, to help prevent the build-up of frost. You should also spray the window with de-icer and give it some time to get to work, before tackling it with your scraper. "If it's an especially cold morning you may have to spray another round of de-icer," Roger recommends.