As the UK is hit with a cold snap, motorists are being warned against using a popular viral hack to de-ice their car windscreens, as it could cause damage
A cold snap is heading our way with widespread warnings for snow and ice over the next few days. This could spell trouble for drivers, particularly when it comes to icy windscreens that need to be completely cleared before hitting the road.
We all know how crucial good visibility is for keeping ourselves and other road users safe, but de-icing can be a real pain and quite time-consuming. There’s a trick that’s been doing the rounds on social media in recent years which promises to get rid of windscreen ice quickly, helping you set off promptly and avoid being late, reports the Express.
But a motoring expert has warned that this viral method can cause damage if not done properly.
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The hack involves filling a plastic bag with warm water to clear a windscreen of any ice that may have formed overnight. However, drivers should tread carefully as one simple mistake could lead to significant damage.
Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, said: “Putting warm water – as opposed to boiling hot water – into a sandwich bag before sealing it and dragging the bag slowly across the face of the window is a relatively safe hack. But if you make the mistake of using red-hot water, you’re asking for trouble.”
“Just like pouring boiling water directly onto a windscreen, the rapid change in extreme temperatures could cause the glass to crack.” But it’s not just the temperature of the water that can damage your car. He said: “I think there’s also a danger that people will use the wrong type of bag.
“A sandwich bag is smooth, soft and pliable, and is unlikely to scratch the windscreen’s glass. But using something like a more robust ‘bag for life’, one with sharp edges on the bottom, is not to be recommended, as you could end up scarring the windscreen and causing long-term damage to the glass.”
Graham also advised motorists to always opt for regular spray-on de-icer as their go-to solution. And he added another tip: “Another hack you can try is to mix three parts vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a natural antifreeze, and even one quick spray will begin to break down the ice on your windows.”
He also warned drivers about the risks of leaving their car running to warm up, saying: “You should also be careful about leaving your car running to heat-up the interior.
“Many drivers automatically tend to wake up extra early to whack the heating up in their car. Whilst this won’t consume a significant amount of fuel, it can actually shorten the life of your engine if done repeatedly.
“For me, prevention is better than cure. Cover your windscreen with cardboard, or a dedicated screen overnight, and you can also wrap carrier bags around your wing mirrors to stop them from freezing in the night.”
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