The AA has issued a stern warning to Brits on how to safely de-ice their cars this winter. As the UK is currently experiencing its first snow and ice of the season, yellow and amber weather alerts have been declared across the country.
Temperatures are plummeting into the negatives, with overnight lows of -6.1°C in Cumbria, -5.8°C in Wales and -4.8°C in parts of Scotland. The cold snap has triggered weather warnings for 47 areas, including a rare amber alert for snow.
This harsh weather also means waking up to icy car windscreens. In the rush to get to work or do the school run on these frosty mornings, many drivers may be making a critical error.
Some methods of removing ice from the car can actually cause more damage than good. Many people resort to using water as a quick solution to remove the ice as quickly as possible.
It's widely known not to use hot water on the car as it can risk damaging the windscreen, reports the Express. However, the AA has advised motorists to avoid even lukewarm water.
In its official guidance, it stated: "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."
When temperatures drop significantly, using water can actually make matters worse by creating additional ice. Warm water freezes more quickly than cold water, and if it does freeze, it forms a layer of ice on the windscreen or even on the ground if any spills occur.
To compound the problem, water can accumulate on the wipers and freeze them to the glass. This risks damaging the wiper motor or even tearing off the rubber blades if they're switched on.
Regarding the use of cold water to defrost your vehicle, there are also cautions. The AA stated: "We wouldn't recommend using cold water as it can freeze on the windscreen and cause damage."
The organisation also outlined their leading recommendations for defrosting your car as quickly as possible in a safe manner. The initial step involves checking the wipers to ensure they're not activated.
Prior to starting the engine, you must verify the wipers are switched off, as attempting to move them when frozen to the glass could cause damage. The subsequent step is to start the engine and activate the warm air directed towards the windscreen.
Next, switch on the rear window heater and heated mirrors. Air conditioning can also help accelerate the process as it prevents the car from misting up.
Remain inside the vehicle whilst the engine is running and the frozen windscreen will begin to thaw. You should then exit the car to brush away the snow.
A soft brush can be employed to clear the front grille, and you need to ensure the headlights are also clear and functioning. Use a scraper and de-icer on the exterior of the vehicle, including all the remaining windows.
The crucial guidance is to avoid setting off until all windows are completely clear. Summarising the recommendations, the AA stated: "Turn on the car heaters and the air-con, and use a proper brush or de-icer to scrape the frost of your frozen windscreen while you wait for the car to warm up."