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Topics: Cars
Callum Jones
De-icing the car is one of those chores we all hate, but experts have detailed a quick hack which can clear your windows safely and quickly.
We've all been there, right? Woken up a bit late for work, had a quick bite for breakfast and got to the car running incredibly late for the office. But then you realise the car is iced over, leading to a number of minutes attempting to de-ice the car and an angrier boss waiting for you at work...
So, what if there was a way to defrost the windshield in the morning in a matter of seconds? Well, according to experts, there is one hack you can try.
But it's important you avoid one common mistake first, which can lead to a cracked windscreen.
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Experts strongly advise against using boiling water, with the RAC saying using 'lukewarm water' is ideal. The car breakdown company explains on its website: "In the past, people used to boil water in the kettle and then throw it on the frozen car to quickly melt the car.
"However, this is a very dangerous thing to do! It will likely crack the glass – and even if it doesn’t, repeatedly doing it will weaken the glass.
"Known as ‘thermal shock’, this is a bad habit to get into. Although it may be the quick option – spending an extra minute will be worth not having a large bill to replace your windscreen.
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"However, using lukewarm water can be used in the absence of de-ice spray."
The best way to get rid of ice quickly is to use a de-icer, which shouldn't be hard to have to hand during the winter months and freezing cold temperatures we are currently seeing in many parts of the US.
The breakdown company recommends people keep one of these de-icers in their car so it's readily available wherever they may be.
"These concentrated formulas are able to quickly clear ice and snow without it refreezing," the RAC added on its website. "If you get a high-quality spray, then it will not damage your vehicle’s paintwork, rubber, or plastics.
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"It can be used on all windows, windscreens, and lights. Also, de-ice spray is effective even when the temperature hits its lowest of the season."
Meanwhile, motorist Adrian Garner has a cheaper alternative than a de-icer in the form of an empty spray bottle.
Whether it be a used air freshener bottle or an emptied cleaning spray, adding water should do the trick.
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But remember, as mentioned before, the water needs to be 'lukewarm' and not boiling.
"Little life hack for you, instead of spending loads of money on de-icer,” Garner told NeedToKnow.