November brings with it numerous tasks, and one chore you'll be doing far more frequently is clearing frost from your car windscreen. It's a tedious job, particularly when you're eager to get on the road to work in the morning; fortunately, there's a straightforward solution to help combat the cold snap.
Shannen, an energy saving guru who goes by _greengal on TikTok, has recently revealed an incredibly useful tip to help motorists stop frost forming on their vehicles whilst being kinder to the planet. It's a method she felt compelled to share after noticing many people trying out the technique this month.
In a frank video, she outlined what drivers should do as temperatures keep falling. It's important to pay attention as certain de-icing methods can actually harm your car.
Shannen explained: "Putting your car idling outside, leaving the key in the ignition and heating your car up and defrosting it that way, it poses several different negative impacts on the environment, [and] also for our health. When you leave the car idling like that, plumes of fumes get released and people walking by will breathe that in, and also it's just wasting money as well.
"You're just leaving the car running and using petrol or diesel so, instead of doing that, and something that might be better for the environment, [will] cost you less money and also just be quicker and easier is I've seen people leave towels over their windscreen."
She explained: "So this is a much better option. It's cheaper, because you likely already have these things in your house, and you don't have to leave your car running.
"It's better for you and it's better for the environment because there are no fumes being released. It's a much quicker option as well, because it'll be ready.
"All you have to do is take it off in the morning and you are good to go. You don't even have to wait a couple of minutes to defrost."
Following Shannen's post, motorists have hailed the tip as "genius". Whilst some acknowledged they'd still require the engine running to clear interior fog, many praised its effectiveness against icy windscreens.
Despite mixed reactions, the method proves genuinely effective. It offers an affordable solution for safeguarding your windscreen against frost formation.
What many don't realise is how a simple towel prevents windscreen freezing. Laying one across the glass soaks up dampness whilst creating a barrier that stops frost settling directly onto the surface.
Whilst it won't eliminate freezing entirely in extreme cold (temperatures dropping below -10°C), it significantly minimises frost build-up and cuts down morning preparation time. However, be mindful that a damp towel risks freezing onto the windscreen itself, potentially creating more hassle than dealing with ice alone.
For optimal results, ensure you're using a completely dry towel or one shielded from moisture. Alternatively, purpose-made windscreen covers are available for purchase.
Some suggest that a piece of cardboard, an old blanket or even a shower curtain can do the trick. However, experts advise against using newspaper, despite Shannen witnessing some people doing so, as it's too thin and can adhere to the windscreen.
To utilise a towel, simply place a dry one over the windscreen overnight. Secure it in place with the windscreen wipers, which also helps prevent them from freezing to the glass. Just make sure it's fitted snugly to stop morning dew from creeping in.
