DRIVERS face a chilling challenge this winter as icy conditions take hold – but a clever hot water hack can help solve this common hidden danger.
Frozen screen wash is a common problem in freezing temperatures, and ignoring it could leave your windscreen dangerously smeared, impairing visibility.
Screen wash is your first line of defence against a frosty windscreen, but not all products are created equal.
Experts warn that when the mercury plummets, you must use a quality screen wash effective in temperatures as low as -20C.
Don’t be tempted to dilute the solution with water, and avoid pre-mixed varieties that might not provide sufficient protection against the big freeze.
If you’ve already been caught out and your screen wash bottle is frozen solid, there’s a simple solution that won’t cost you a penny.
Pour hot water, not boiling, directly into the filler bottle to help thaw the frozen liquid.
It’s a quick fix that’ll get your system back in working order without resorting to pricey products.
If the water jets themselves, let the engine warm up naturally, which should eventually thaw the jets and get them spraying again.
In the meantime, make sure you’ve got other ways to clear your windscreen before hitting the road.
An icy windscreen can turn into a dangerous blind spot, so it’s crucial to scrape away frost and ensure visibility is clear before setting off.
It is not advisable to pour boiling water on to your car windows when the temperatures outside are cold.
The sudden warmth hitting your windscreen could lead to the glass cracking.
Even de-icing hacks such as dragging a sandwich bag full of warm water over the windscreen could cause damage.
While it might seem like a quick fix, experts warn the sudden temperature change could crack the glass, leaving you with a hefty repair bill.
Never use anything other than a car-specific scraper to remove the frost from your car.
Scratching off the ice with a credit card or sharp object can cause your items to snap or your screen to become scratched.
Also be careful NEVER to leave your car unattended with the motor running while you go in and grab something to help you remove the ice.
Aside from being an opportunist thief’s dream, it’s also against the law as drivers have to be “in control” of their vehicle at all times.
It’s worth waiting a few extra minutes to make sure the glass is clear and safe to drive before you head out.
Stop the winter pre-commute stress with this simple tip.
Soak an old towel in a solution made up of water and table salt and then place it over your car windows the night before.
As salt lowers the freezing point of water, moisture is prevented from frosting over on your screen.
You can also make a frost-fighting solution by mixing one part of water to two parts of alcohol.
Snow and ice can make driving a difficult task but there are things drivers can do to make their journeys a little easier - not to mention safer.
Prepare your car before driving
Make sure you check over your car before setting off for your journey.
Windscreens can get dirty in winter conditions so having your screen wash topped up is a must.
Keep an emergency winter kit
No driver plans to break down but it happens and often at the most inconvenient times.
It’s best to keep an emergency kit in the car just in case, especially if it’s dark out and temperatures have plummeted.
It’s also worth keeping de-icer in the pack so you have some ready for those frosty mornings.
Check your tyres
Most drivers will tend to forget to check their tyres, but this could be a costly mistake, particularly during the winter.
If your tyres aren’t up to scratch, you’re more likely to skid on the roads – and you could also get a fine.
In the UK and Europe, tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, as experts recommend 3mm.
Having less than 1.6mm or bald tyres can get you a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre – that’s £10,000 if all four are bald.
You could also get three penalty points added to your licence.
While most areas in the UK don’t get Arctic conditions, if you are concerned then it could be worth investing in winter tyres.
Keep your car clean
A car’s licence plate needs to be kept readable at all time.
Plates have to be clear enough to be read by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
If they aren’t readable, drivers could find themselves with a £1,000 fine.
Check your plates, and if they are covered in snow or dirt, give them a clean before driving.
Drive smoothly
Driving in snow and ice can reduce a drivers grip to the road.
If you suddenly jerk, this can cause your car to lose its grip and control on the road.
Causing an accident due to careless driving, even in bad weather conditions, can see a driver fined.
Motorists can be slapped with an “unlimited” fine and a three to nine-point penalty.
Keep at a distance from other drivers
Keep a good distance between yourself and the driver in front.
If you need to suddenly stop, it can take longer to stop on snow and ice than on normal road conditions.
Be wary when driving on hills
When driving on hills, it’s best to avoid stopping on them when it has been snowing or is icy.
If you think you may have to stop on the hill, either wait at the bottom or the top before travelling further to avoid needing to stop.
Go slowly when driving up and down hills, and keep control of your car at all times.
Brake gently
Braking heavily can make the tyres lock, which means you have less control and could risk a crash.
Before heading out onto the snowy roads, check our seven do’s and don’ts before driving.
