An expert has warned against a popular windscreen-clearing hack this winter, saying it could cause damage to your car.
Over the years, the world has devised all kinds of tips and tricks for clearing the windscreen of your car when it freezes or frosts over in cold weather:
Many of us will do literally anything to avoid sitting in your icy vehicle before work waiting for it to unfog – especially when your boss proudly explains that they got up earlier to get their windscreen back in action as you trudge through the door half an hour late.
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But some hacks are believed to be more effective than others, while some are thought to be downright dangerous and may end up causing more harm than good.
Dorry Potter, an expert at National Scrap Car, explained how there was one particular trick that isn’t such a great idea – despite the fact you’ve probably seen it all over TikTok.
Potter urged motorists to be careful when using a well-known trick that sees people fill a ziplock bag or sandwich bag with hot or boiling water, before rubbing it over the windscreen.
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Speaking to The Express, she said that this can cause ‘cracks’ in the glass, which can get worse over time.
"A hack that circulates every year is using warm water in a zip lock bag and rubbing it on the windscreen,” she said.
"Motorists are advised to be cautious when applying anything heated to their windscreen as the dramatic change in temperature can cause small cracks to appear in the glass which can cause the screen to shatter when another bout of frost arrives.”
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Potter warned against another method, too, continuing: "Drivers should never use boiling water either. Similarly, homemade concoctions should be used with care too.
"Using items such as a potato or onion to clear frost could leave smears or a residue on the screen which in turn could reduce the driver’s visibility, making it just as dangerous as frost to drive. It may be more sensible to stick with a deicing spray instead."
Instead, Potter thinks your best bet is to use a windscreen cover, which helps protect your vehicle from frost overnight.
She said: "As temperatures drop the stress of heading out on time due to a frosty car is soon approaching, so it is important for motorists to make sure they are prepared ahead of time.
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"One of the best 'hacks' for defrosting windscreens is to prevent the frost from forming on it in the first place.
"Using a windscreen cover will protect the windscreen from frost meaning that there is no need for scraping first thing.
"Simply place the cover on the windscreen in the evening and remove before heading off in the morning.”
She added: "Cardboard, an old towel or sheet can also work but risk being moved by wind, wet weather or just not being held in place properly.
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"Something that could also help is making sure your car is parked out of the shade and ideally facing the East, this means that when the sun rises in the morning it will begin to naturally defrost your car.
"Of course, this is only useful for those that don’t commute super early before the sun has a chance to rise."
Jess Hardiman