Getting into your car in the morning to find your windscreen and windows covered in ice is a major pain, but it turns out there’s a quick and easy way to get rid of it
Any hints of spring have been brutally overshadowed as Britain faces a cold snap, with icy conditions greeting many this morning and snow expected to continue falling throughout the week. As temperatures take a dive, early risers are met with a frost-covered windscreen, which could make for a tardy start to their working day.
However, before you decide to brave the chill and scrape away the ice, a driving expert has offered up a nifty trick to clear your windscreen without setting foot outside. Driving Test Success, the UK’s top source for Theory Test preparation, posted on TikTok under the handle @drivingtestsuccess showcasing how to defrost your glass effortlessly from within the comfort of your car.
Their video reveals that by cranking up the temperature and putting the front windscreen fan on maximum, the heat will conveniently melt away the frost. The simple instructions they provided were: “Frozen windscreen? Put the temperature on high.”
“Put the front windscreen fan on max. The ice will start to melt from the heat. Wipe away excess water and return the fan to normal.”
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This slice of wisdom may seem like common sense to some drivers, yet it amazed numerous social media users who confessed they had never stumbled upon this hack before. One awestruck commenter posted: “Wow, magic! The ice is gone.”
Drivers are being advised about a rule change that affects how they de-ice their vehicles, with a driving instructor inciting reactions after spotlighting a method to avoid scraping off frost. “I’ve learned so much thanks to your app! ” exclaimed a user grateful for the guidance.
However, not everyone’s on board, with one TikTok cynic pushing back, “Wastes more fuel. Just get [out] and scrape it off you lazy so and so.”
It’s not breaking news though, as Clear View Driving also broadcasted a similar tip, instructing road users on the proper use of their demisters instead of wipers or washers, saying: “Now don’t use your windscreen wipers or washers as that won’t help. Turn on your front and rear demister.”
They add, “The rear demister also heats up your side mirrors in most new cars. But if the mirrors are not clear, make sure to clear them before you start driving.”
Followed by, “Then, once it’s done you can use your wipers.”
And when Jack Frost comes calling, the AA urges drivers to engage warm air blowers and heated mirrors for a swift, safe clearing, detailing: “Start the engine and turn on the warm air blower on the windscreen. Switch on the rear windscreen heater and heated mirrors, if you have them. Turn on the air-con. It’s not just for summer – it’ll remove moisture from the air to stop the car from misting up.”
They caution against using hands to clear mist, which could leave smudges or even scratch the glass, recommending a lint-free cloth instead and emphasize remaining with the vehicle while it’s running.
