A motorist has shared how one simple household item could be used to defrost a car windscreen in just seconds this winter. Adrian Garner said the simple hack means motorists can save on buying a de-icer, with windscreens clear and ice-free in no time at all.
The 51-year-old field sales executive grabs an old spray bottle and makes sure to fill it with warm water. He then makes sure to drip the water around the vehicle, with frost and ice cover melting away in the blink of an eye. As well as saving on pricey de-ice refills, the hack could also be a vital tip for anyone who is suddenly caught out by a big freeze this December.
Adrian said: “Little life hack for you, instead of spending loads of money on de-icer. Bit of warm water - not boiling water - in an old bottle. Drip round your car. So much cheaper than spending £3 a time on a bottle of de-icer.
“Warm water just in an old bottle. It just saves spending on de-icer, or just a good trick if you have none on you.”
The RAC has previously urged road users to always ensure they are using “lukewarm” water when applying to a windscreen. They stressed glass could be at risk if motorists apply water that is considered too hot, with the screen likely to expand and even crack.
The RAC explained: “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. However, using lukewarm water can be used in the absence of de-ice spray.”
However, the AA admitted that even warm water could be dangerous if motorists have existing damage to the windscreen.
The AA explained: “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.”