Expert warns against catastrophic defrosting hack - but shares 5p potato trick

05 December 2023 , 12:35

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Experts have warned against a hack going viral on social media (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Defrosting your windscreen can be a nightmare, especially when you're in a rush - but experts have warned not to use one viral technique because it can prove catastrophic for your car.

A TikToker has recently shared a video where they poured "cheap vodka" all over their windscreen because it doesn't freeze. They then proceeded to lift their bonnet and add the rest of the vodka into their screenwash bottle, while assuring people "it doesn't damage your paintwork."

But car experts at Swansway Motor Group have warned against this trend, as it can be "detrimental to the windscreen's glass and the car's paint."

But a much cheaper alternative is a loose potato - which costs pennies if you buy a large bag, and with Christmas around the corner, we're sure there are some uses you can find for the leftovers.

Swansway said that using vodka to stop your windscreen from freezing is not advisable due to its chemical composition. The high alcohol content, while effective in lowering the freezing point of water, can be detrimental to the windscreen's glass and the car's paint.

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They warned that "alcohol is a solvent that can deteriorate the protective layers on the glass", which in turn can "weaken the seals around the windscreen." If you use vodka repeatedly, it can cause "micro-abrasions on the glass surface", which increases the risk of "cracks and chips, especially in fluctuating temperatures."

"Alcohol, including vodka, can also cause drying and cracking of the rubber components of wiper blades, reducing their effectiveness", the experts say. "This deterioration compromises the wiper blades' ability to clear the windscreen properly, obstructing the driver's visibility in adverse weather conditions. This not only poses a risk to the driver but also to other road users."

A hack the experts do recommend, however, is using your sun visor as it "helps push the airflow back down when you're defrosting your windscreen. This simple technique uses a car's existing sun visors to speed up defrosting, saving fuel and reducing wear on the vehicle. It's a cost-effective, innovative approach for drivers facing icy conditions."

Also, an alternative to vodka, and a much cheaper alternative at that, is a cut potato. "The natural sugars in potatoes create a barrier against frost, reducing buildup without the risks of chemical damage or residue that vodka might pose. This method is not only cost-effective but also safer for your windscreen's integrity", they shared.

Danielle Kate Wroe