Five tips for clearing your car of ice and snow – and some ‘common’ mistakes to avoid
Most of us have done it and, let’s be honest, probably still will after reading this advice, but the AA are telling drivers not to fill up a saucepan with hot water and chuck it over their iced-up windscreen.
This applies to both boiling and lukewarm water, they say.
“Most people know not to use boiling water on their windscreen, with only 2% of people we asked saying they do this,” the motoring organisation said.
“But our survey found that young people (aged 18-24) are more than twice as likely to use boiling water as the general population. 1 in 20 risk a cracked windscreen by pouring boiling water on it.”
The advice goes on: “Glass expands quickly when hot or even warm water touches it. But it’ll contract quickly too as it cools down in the cold air. That flexing can make the glass crack even if you’re using lukewarm water – especially if it had small chips or cracks already.”
The AA also advises people not to fall for online hacks like putting hot water in a sandwich bag (the melted water will likely refreeze, apparently) or rubbing half a potato on the inside on your windscreen (literally who is doing this???).
Instead, it suggests following five steps:
- Check your wipers – if they are on when the engine starts the wiper motor could get damaged
- Switch on the engine and start the blowers/aircon – but don’t leave your car unattended
- Sweep off the snow with a soft brush – and make sure the lights are clean and working
- Then scrape while you wait for the car to warm up
- Don’t drive off until all of the glass is clear.
Belgium
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