Frost must be removed from a car windscreen by law and motorists could be hit with fines or strict penalties if police officers consider your car to have poor visibility. Motorists can pick ice and snow off their cars within seconds using specially designed equipment such as de-icer picks and supermarket sprays.
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Frost trick: Ingenious tip for getting ice off your windscreen
However, regular cold weather could see motorists run out of traditional spray or lose their de-icer picks and they may have no alternatives to hand before a bitter winter freeze.
Homemade solutions are available and can often generate results in just a few minutes to ensure safety on the roads.
Using water
RAC chiefs urge motorists to never use boiling water on a car windscreen as this can cause the glass to crack.
However, filling up a sandwich bag with lukewarm water and gently running this over the glass will see the ice melt within seconds.
This is also a safer approach than applying water directly to a car windscreen and should clear the majority of cover with just one or two wipes.
The heat will melt most of the ice and turn this into slush which can be pushed away quickly using car windscreen wipers.
A motorist uploaded a clip of him using the ingenious invention to social media to make fellow road users aware of how to make the tool.
Daniel Harris said: “Hot water in a food bag and bam you’ve got a de-icer and a hand warmer. Works a treat, and it’s fast.”
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De-icer spray
RAC experts urge motorists to always keep a bottle of de-icer in their car to use in wintery weather.
However, the busy Christmas period could see road users forgetting to stock up on bottles of their favourite spray.
Homemade solutions can be cooked up in just minutes and offer a viable alternative to traditional spray for use in emergencies.
Supermarket chain Tesco has revealed motorists can make a homemade de-icer spray by mixing two common household items.
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The company said customers can mix three parts of distilled vinegar with one part water into a spray bottle to make the homemade solution.
The group said motorists should leave the spray on a car for at least five minutes to ensure it clears the bulk of ice effectively.
Towel
Specially designed ice and snow covers are available and can be used to prevent large build-up the night before a freeze.
Cash-strapped motorists may decide to place a towel on their car windscreen to protect their vehicle from the worst cover.
Fitting a towel to the windscreen will protect the majority of icy build-up and the small amounts left should be able to be quickly cleared using your windscreen wipers.
Handmade picks
Motorists have been seen to use common household items such as their credit cards and even CD cases to remove frost off their vehicle.
However, RAC experts have warned against this as these items could cause you to crack or damage the glass.
Online vehicle dealership firm Lookers claims a spatula could be used as they cover a larger surface area.
The firm also suggests a battery-powered hairdryer could also be used and will likely clear frost cover within seconds.
Start an engine
Leaving your engine running will eventually melt the frost and ice on your car windscreen but motorists are urged to take caution and stay inside their vehicle.
Criminals often wait for motorists to go back inside their warmer houses before stealing cars where owners have left keys in the ignition.
Car insurance providers are unlikely to pay out for cover here as it will be considered an at-fault claim.
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