An automotive expert has shared a number of ways in which motorists are able to effectively de-ice their car’s windscreen without spending precious time out in the freezing cold.
The YouTuber Smart Fox regularly posts videos showing viewers how they can make easy improvements around the home and in the car.
As the temperatures are set to drop in various parts of the UK, one video posted by Smart Fox states that drivers can make their own de-icer from home with just two ingredients.
He explained: “For the first trick we need anti-freeze, which we normally add to our windscreen wiper washer system. This is how we make our own de-icer spray.
“Pour 100ml of water into a spray bottle. Then, we need double the amount of antifreeze, so 200ml is now added to the spray bottle. Now put the lid on, shake it well and now you can take it straight to the car.”
In the video, Smart Fox adds a spray bottle with one part water and two parts antifreeze to create a homemade de-icer for under £1.
On a cold morning, motorists can spray the solution onto their icy windscreen, with the antifreeze raising the freezing temperature of the ice, causing it to melt on impact.
If a driver does not have any antifreeze, they can use rubbing alcohol or vinegar, which both have the same properties.
Later on, Smart Fox suggested that drivers can clear the ice from their vehicle’s windscreen by placing a hot water bottle on the dashboard.
He added: “If you don’t want to make your own de-icer spray, I have another ingenious trick for you: heat some water in a kettle. Now take a hot water bottle and pour this water into it.
“Ideally, you should remove the fabric cover of the hot water bottle if you have the opportunity to do so. Once you have filled it, you can take it to your car. We now place both hot water bottles on your dashboard and you can see, after 10 minutes, some of the ice has already come off.”
However, whilst using a hot water bottle near the windscreen or rubbing a bag full of warm water can help to melt the ice, one tip could see drivers inflict costly damage to their car.
Motorists should never put boiling hot water in contact with any glass on the car, with the sudden temperature change often causing it to shatter.
Whilst this could de-ice the screen, it will also make the car unusable until a new screen is fitted, which typically costs around £180.
