As freezing temperatures and recent snowfall grip the nation, millions of British drivers are facing the dreaded morning ritual of scraping ice from their cars. The AA has now stepped in to reveal what it calls one of the "quickest" methods to defrost a car windscreen safely and effectively.
The Recommended Method: Heat and Manual Effort
According to the motoring organisation, the fastest approach involves a combination of your car's own systems and a little elbow grease. They advise drivers to start the engine and turn on the car's heater and air conditioning to begin warming the glass from the inside.
While the car is heating up, you should stay with the vehicle and use a brush or a dedicated de-icer spray to manually clear the frost from the outside. This dual-action method is highlighted as a safe and risk-free solution to a common winter problem.
What NOT to Do: Debunking Dangerous Hacks
The AA has issued clear warnings against several popular but potentially damaging shortcuts. They strongly advise against using hot water, as the sudden temperature change can crack the windscreen. Similarly, using cold water is risky because it can simply freeze on the glass, creating an even thicker layer of ice.
Another folk remedy, rubbing a cut potato on the screen, is also discouraged as it is likely to smear and reduce visibility. The organisation also cautions against pouring warm water over door handles or wipers, warning that melted ice can refreeze and cause them to stick.
The Risks of 'Frosting' and 'Portholing'
A critical safety warning from the AA concerns the crime known as 'frosting'. This is when thieves target vehicles left unattended with the engine running to defrost. The AA warns that insurance companies will not pay out if a car is stolen in this manner, as it is considered leaving the keys in the car unattended.
Drivers are urged to wrap up warmly and remain with their vehicle throughout the defrosting process. The AA also highlights the dangerous practice of 'portholing' – clearing just a small patch of the windscreen to peer through. This can lead to prosecution for driving with obscured vision if caught by police.
The essential rule is to ensure all glass is completely clear before setting off on any journey. With widespread snow affecting areas including Birmingham and causing significant travel disruption, taking a few extra minutes to defrost properly is a small price to pay for safety.
