You've been defrosting windscreen wrong - car experts wince at dangerous method

20 November 2023 , 15:23

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There are things you shouldn't attempt when de-icing your windscreen (Stock Image) (Image: PA)

Defrosting your windscreen when you need to get to work can be an arduous task - but experts have warned that there are things you should never try, regardless of how much of a rush you're in.

As the temperatures drop, standing there in the morning next to your car wondering how you can make your vehicle driveable is really frustrating, and it can make you want to try some pretty extreme measures, such as pouring hot water all over it.

But experts at Vantage Leasing have alerted people to things they should never try, and common mistakes that are made by drivers when de-icing their windscreen.

Experts shared that "According to Google Trend Data, the search term 'boiling water on windscreen' has received a 10,0000% uplift in the last month alone" with drivers wondering whether this is a sensible thing to do. But it's not, and if there are "small chips or cracks" in the windscreen - it can be a disaster. They shared that it's "best practice to just avoid this method."

If you've ever left your engine running while trying to defrost your car, and left it unattended, did you know that you were risking "fines and penalties?" Experts also warned that it's "an opportunity for thieves" to steal your vehicle.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

‌Experts also warned that you shouldn't forget about de-frosting your rear and side mirrors, rather than just focusing "solely on the windscreen." They recommended using the "same, safe method you would use to clear the front windshield."

If you come to your car and the "doors are iced shut", you should not pull on the handle, as you "could end up damaging the internal parts on the car door." Instead, they recommended spraying a "fine layer of de-icing spray" between the door and panels, wait a moment, and then you can try to open the door again. If it still doesn't open, try more spray.

To avoid this issue in the future, the experts recommend "applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the car door seals", as this will avoid ice build-up.

The experts also shared that you shouldn't use your windscreen wipers to try and clear the windscreen, as it can make them "less effective in heavy rain or snow", and you should only use wipers after you've cleared the ice away.

And if you thought that adding anti-freeze to the windscreen washer reservoir was going to solve your problems, think again, as it's a "corrosive solution", and can "corrode the metal components of the windscreen washer reservoir including the pump and seals."

If you're still trying to figure out ways to defrost your windscreen, why not try looking for the 'magic' button in your car that will clear your windscreen in seconds?

Danielle Kate Wroe