Defrosting your windscreen is never a fun or easy task, but putting a common everyday item on it may just help you to avoid the problem in the cold month of December. As the weather gets colder, we are all starting to notice frost and ice appear on our cars and vehicles but, according to the AA (Automobile Association), there's a simple way you can avoid the problem.
A hack has been shared to help people prevent frost developing on their cars overnight, and it involves covering the windscreen with an everyday staple. Little you may know, the basic material could make your mornings a lot easier during the winter months when temperatures drop.
It's not the only valuable piece of car advice to be shared lately either. A few days ago, the RAC also claimed removing one item from your car could also help to prevent condensation.
The AA website states: "You can stop a windscreen freezing in the first place with a little forward planning. If you have a garage, use it in winter because it'll stop your car from getting iced-up.
"If you don't have a garage, park your car on your driveway as close as possible to your home. The heat from your home can help to stop ice forming. Put a shield across your windscreen to stop it getting icy. A piece of cardboard works well for this."
Read more: RAC urges drivers to stop making common fog light mistake or risk £1k fine
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In the past drivers have opened up about the hack on Reddit, and many claim it works a treat having tried it out. You may be used to throwing old cardboard in the recycling bin, but it turns out keeping it can be super useful for preventing frost on your vehicle.
The topic came up when a social media user asked: "Tips [for] keeping frost off your windshield? As I prepare for my first winter as a car owner, I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to prevent frost build-up on the windshield?"
One person replied: "You can put a towel or cardboard or something similar on the windshield in the evening and remove it when you need to drive. You will of course have a frosty towel to deal with."
Another added: "Piece of cardboard. Keep one in the trunk for this." Someone else offered a different idea, writing: "Yep, I sometimes throw an old blanket, or a few old sheets on when I think of it at night."
If you haven't got a windscreen cover, it's always handy to have a piece of cardboard lying around. It can be super helpful during the colder months.
If you weren't aware, you can put cardboard on your windscreen to prevent frost. Just remember it's crucial to use a dry piece of thick cardboard and to secure it tightly with the wipers.
By doing this, you'll stop it from becoming damp and freezing to the glass. While using a commercial windshield cover is often a more effective alternative, cardboard can still work if you haven't got one at home.
You just need to avoid using thin materials like newspaper, which will absorb moisture and freeze to the windscreen. You also need to make sure it's totally dry before using it.
Whatever method you use, it's important to clear your windscreen to ensure your car is safe to drive. The AA states: "If you're hurrying to get to work or do the school run, it can be tempting to drive off as soon as the ice has cleared a little.
"But this could dangerously obstruct your view of the road if there's still ice or mist on your windscreen. In fact, you can get a £100 fine and three points on your licence if you drive with obscured vision."
