UPDATE: As the cold weather sets in, driving expert Alexander Haraldsson has urgently revealed simple and cost-effective methods to prevent your car’s windscreen from frosting. With temperatures plummeting across the UK, drivers are facing the frustrating challenge of dealing with icy windscreens that can cause visibility issues and even hefty fines.
When you step outside to find your car encased in ice, the choices can be daunting: sit in your car for 15 minutes waiting for the heater to kick in or scramble for a de-icing spray. But failing to clear your windscreen can lead to a shocking £1,000 fine and three penalty points if you’re caught driving without proper visibility.
Lotus Car Rentals, led by Haraldsson, has compiled essential tips that utilize common household items to combat frost and save precious time in the morning rush.
Vinegar Solution: One of Haraldsson’s top recommendations is to spray a mixture of water and vinegar on your windscreen the night before. “Vinegar’s freezing point is much lower than water’s,” he explains. “This means water won’t settle and freeze, helping you avoid icy mornings.”
Strategic Parking: For those who want an extra 10 minutes of sleep, Haraldsson suggests parking your car facing east. As the sun rises, it naturally melts any ice on your windscreen, reducing the time you spend scraping or heating your vehicle.
Create Your Own De-Icer: Need a quick fix? Mix rubbing alcohol with half a teaspoon of washing-up liquid to create a homemade de-icing spray. “You can also use vodka mixed with water,” he adds, highlighting its effectiveness as a de-icer.
Vegetable Hack: Leveraging popular social media hacks, Haraldsson advises rubbing a cut potato or onion on your windows the day before. “These vegetables contain sugar molecules that break down frost before it forms,” he explains.
Sandwich Bag Trick: If you wake up to a frozen car, Haraldsson has a quick solution: fill a sandwich bag with warm water and glide it across your windscreen. “This method melts the ice in seconds without scratching your glass,” he says, emphasizing the importance of using warm—not boiling—water to avoid cracks.
These innovative tips from Haraldsson and Lotus Car Rentals are particularly significant as the UK braces for colder temperatures. As frost becomes a daily concern, drivers can save time and avoid fines by implementing these simple strategies.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as more cold weather driving tips emerge. Don’t let frost slow you down this winter—share these tips with fellow drivers to ensure everyone’s safety on the roads.
