As temperatures plummet across Britain, many motorists are waking up to find their cars frozen solid. But there's a straightforward method that can defrost them quickly, getting you on the road without lengthy delays.
The RAC (Royal Automobile Club) says the secret to clearing frozen car windows fast is simply pressing one button. This handy tip is worth remembering, as it could make your morning routine far smoother, particularly given the bitter cold we've experienced throughout January.
It's not the only useful motoring hack doing the rounds lately either. Earlier this month, drivers discovered how to thaw frozen washer fluid using a common household item.
The subject recently sparked discussion on Reddit, after one user posted: "Any tricks [for] unfreezing car windows? We have been in sub zero temperatures for over a week now, and my wife's windows are all frozen shut.
"Even with the car warmed up, they won't unfreeze. The driver's side one is the biggest issue because she likes to go to the drive-through for coffee. Is there a way to unfreeze them, or will we have to wait until it warms up more later during the week before anything can be done?"
One commenter suggested: "Park it in a parking garage overnight?" While another recommended: " Lock de-icer." One individual couldn't resist cracking a joke, quipping: "Wait for May. Always works."
However, if you're seeking a serious solution during the winter months, the RAC has got your back. On the website, it offers expert advice on how to defrost windows in the simplest way. It's quite straightforward once you know what to do.
They advise: "Can't operate the windows? Once the engine has warmed up and while still parked, direct the air vents towards the windows and select the hottest temperature to get them opening and closing again."
Apparently, that's all it takes to thaw your windows. It's not as complicated as you might have imagined, as you only need to press one button.
If you want to defrost frozen car windows, you need to utilise the air vents. Start by turning on the engine and then set the climate control to the windscreen vents.
Crank the heat to the maximum temperature and then switch on the air conditioning to dehumidify. Ensure the fan is set to high.
You need to make sure outside air is being used to bring in the driest air possible to clear condensation or frost. You shouldn't just be recirculating the same air.
When it comes to external ice, you may need to put in a bit more effort to remove this manually. However, the dry air aids from the inside.
It's a trick many people may not realise actually works. To top it off, you only need to press one simple car button to get the job done.