Britain’s motorists have been told that there’s one surprising way they can get their windscreens to demist quicker in the morning.
During the winter months cars can mist up overnight, adding vital minutes to most people’s journeys.
However, each car is different and can take a different amount of time to clear the windscreen. As a result, experts are always looking for ways to help drivers with less effective systems speed up the demisting process.
Among the suggestions made by renowned car publication Auto Express is for drivers to stand outside their car during the demisting process.
Explaining the theory, motoring expert Shane Wilkinson said it was all to do with the fact that when we’re sitting in the car, our wet and warm breath is fighting the demisting process.
Shane explained that if a person removes themselves from the car they will reduce the amount of warm and wet air the system needs to clear.
Furthermore, he said that whilst it was recommended to stand outside the car, that one shouldn’t go too far away in case it was stolen.
He explained: “While this might sound like a horrible idea during the winter months, standing outside the car before setting off can help with demisting. If we may put it bluntly, your breath is warm and wet, so removing yourself essentially removes additional moisture.
“However, never leave the car unattended while it’s unlocked and demisting, as opportunistic thieves have been known to hop in and drive away within an alarmingly short timeframe.”
Alongside Shane, the AA has also provided some guidance on how people can prepare and look after themselves and their car during the winter, with the motoring body focussing on what people should be wearing on their feet.
In a statement on their website, the AA highlighted the importance of wearing dry shoes so that a driver could keep control of their vehicle and maximise the amount of grip between someone's foot and the pedal.
They explained: "Allow extra time for winter journeys. Plan routes around major roads, which are more likely to be cleared and gritted.
"Try to get up at least 10 minutes early to give you time to de-ice the car. Wear comfortable, dry shoes for driving so your feet don't slip on the pedals. Check fuel levels – have at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delays."
Whilst Shane and the AA have been providing winter driving advice, they aren't the only ones to have provided tips for drivers on how to prepare their cars for the wet and the winter, others have been suggesting how Britain’s drivers can prepare their motors for war.
As tensions with America and Russia skyrocket, websites like UK Prepare have been providing advice on what drivers should put in their cars in the event of a conflict.
They said such planning involves putting eight items in the boot of your car, including a torch, blankets, food and drink, and spare clothes.
The website explained: “It can be helpful to keep these items in one place in your home and ideally somewhere easy to find if the lights aren’t working – if you are escaping your house due to a fire you should not take anything with you at all.
“You could consider keeping items you might need to take with you if asked to leave your home quickly in a spare bag – you might hear some people call this a ‘grab bag’.
“Pack a few essential items in your car boot to make sure you’re ready in case of getting stuck in wintry weather – this can include a torch, in-car phone charger, warm clothes and blankets, high-visibility clothing, jump leads, food and drink, and a shovel for snow. It can also be helpful to keep a first aid kit in your car.”
