As UK temperatures plummet and icy conditions set in, drivers are searching for quick fixes to keep their vehicles running smoothly throughout the colder months. Yet whilst some advice genuinely makes life easier, others could lead to cracked windscreens, expensive repairs, or even penalty points.
From viral social media trends to long-standing myths, Ben Welham, motoring expert at online used car retailer cinch, has rounded up the most popular winter 'car hacks' and reveals which ones actually work, and which should be ignored. Check out his advice below to ensure the car hacks you've been relying on aren't doing more harm than good this winter.
Using warm or boiling water on icy windscreens
This ranks among the most widespread winter tips online, but it's also one of the most dangerous things you can do on a freezing morning. The sudden temperature shift can cause your windscreen to crack within seconds, whilst any remaining water will freeze across your wipers and bonnet if temperatures stay below zero.
Ben warns: "A proper de-icer spray or ice scraper is far cheaper than replacing a windscreen. The thermal shock from boiling water can shatter glass in an instant, leaving you with costly repairs and major disruption to your day."
Using potatoes on windscreens to stop frost forming
It's best to steer clear of this viral myth that keeps doing the rounds. While the starch may slightly slow down ice formation, it creates a sticky film that smears readily and might harm your wiper blades.
"This TikTok trend might look clever, but you'll end up with a gunky mess across your windscreen that's harder to shift than the frost itself," says Welham.
Using hand sanitiser to defrost locks
This pocket-sized solution can genuinely help thaw frozen locks thanks to its high alcohol content, which melts ice. It makes for a clever emergency fix when de-icer spray isn't to hand.
"This hack works surprisingly well," says Welham. "The alcohol content of hand sanitiser does the job nicely, so it's a brilliant backup if you run out of de-icer on a cold day."
Covering mirrors with socks overnight
This method may sound daft, but it does the trick. Popping old socks or small plastic bags over wing mirrors stops frost forming overnight and saves morning scraping time (assuming your car doesn't have heated wing mirrors).
"Using your socks may get some strange looks from your neighbours, but it's effective," says Welham. "A couple of old socks can shave off valuable minutes on frosty mornings. Just remember to whip them off before starting your journey."
Filling a sock with cat litter to prevent foggy windows
This method works surprisingly well when put into practice. Cat litter made from silica absorbs dampness from the air, keeping windows clear from the inside.
"If you happen to be a cat owner and have some clean litter to hand, this is a quick DIY fix," advises Welham. "Just don't forget to secure the sock properly to prevent spillage across your car seats while you drive."
Many cars, especially older ones, need the engine running for a few minutes to warm up before driving off. But it's vital that you remain in the car as it warms up with the engine on.
Highway Code Rule 123 states it's forbidden to leave a stationary vehicle unattended with the engine running.
"It's important that drivers take the time to allow icy or fogged up windows to defrost," Welham emphasises.
"While it might be tempting to return to your house for a few minutes as your car heats up, this could prove costly. Not only could it result in a fine, but it could also compromise the security of your used Ford or Audi."
Many modern cars now come with built-in features that make icy mornings safer and easier than before. With the growing availability of cold weather technology such as heated steering wheels, automatic defogging sensors and windscreen heaters, numerous traditional winter 'car hacks' are becoming unnecessary.
Thanks to smartphone applications available with cutting-edge vehicles - particularly EVs - motorists can now warm up their cars remotely from inside their homes.
This allows you to heat the cabin and clear frost from the windscreen whilst plugged into a home charging point - thereby preserving more of your car's battery charge for the drive itself.
"Not every viral hack you hear about is worth risking," says Welham.
"Modern car tech has quietly replaced many of the old tricks, but if you're using traditional methods, stick to the simple, safe ways to get ready for winter without damaging your car or breaking the law."