At this time of year, one of the numerous challenges many motorists face is the daily ritual of defrosting their vehicles each morning. Various techniques exist for clearing a frozen windscreen, each claiming to deliver quick and effortless results. However, there's one straightforward, four-step approach endorsed by a former NASA engineer.
The method was shared on TikTok by Eden Tyres and Servicing, which operates several garages throughout the East Midlands, and originates from ex-NASA engineer Mark Rober, who is well-known for his online popular science content. Mark dedicated nine years to the American space agency, where his work included contributions to the Curiosity rover, which has been investigating Mars since 2012, alongside developing autonomous vehicles with technology giant Apple.
The video presenter explained: "Here is the best way to defrost your windscreen according to a former NASA engineer. Step one: turn on the car heater immediately and put it at full blast.
"Step two: turn on the car's air conditioning. It'll help soak up the remainder of any moisture inside.
"Step three: turn off the car air circulation button. When turned on this button traps the humidity inside.
"And step four, slightly unexpected, but open all of the car windows, only ever so slightly. This will help exchange humidity in the car for the dry air that's outside.
"And voila - a nice defrosted windscreen."
Fellow TikTok users chimed in with their own suggestions, reports the Mirror. One commented: "Get a windscreen cover."
Let us know if you think it works #icy #defrost #windscreendefrost #wintertips #winter #wintercaradvice #toptips #edentyres #garage #tyrefitters #carmechanics #carservicing
Another concurred, adding: "Just took [mine] off in two seconds and my windscreen is crystal clear. So much easier."
A third person offered: "Or use a flattened out cardboard box. But if the windows are frozen then lukewarm water is better than wasting time scraping and spraying de-icer."
One user proposed an alternative approach. "Get an EV (electric vehicle)," they suggested.
"Press button on phone while you are having a cuppa in the warm house. Then get into warm car with demisted windows all round."
Another commenter shared: "Turn the car on, press MAX setting, lock door with spare key, walk across road to buy The Guardian. Get back and it's defrosted."
A different user contributed their own technique, saying: "WD40 in the keyholes, a teeny teeny bit on the windows buff buff, no ice, we have an Old Ford Fiesta, and it works when you haven't got A/C."
Meanwhile, one sceptical user questioned Mark's method's effectiveness based on vehicle type, remarking: "Has the NASA engineer tried to do this in a Clio? Takes 84 years."