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How to de-ice your car
 Follow these steps to avoid an icy windscreen 22 October 2007 With winter fast approaching windscreens and car windows are starting to frost up in the mornings. We tell you all there is to know about de-icing your vehicle. Be prepared The law states all car windows and mirrors must be clear. Driving while peering through a small de-misted hole in the windscreen can net you a fine of £1,000 for driving with restricted vision. So how can you avoid an icy windscreen? Carry out these steps to prepare for the worst. • Keep an ice scraper and a can of de-icer in your car. You can buy them from a garage or motoring shop. If the level is below two marks on the coolant reservoir, it’s too low. Refill with a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze. Be careful – use a rag to remove the cap if hot, and take care not to spill any coolant since it can damage both your skin and the vehicle’s paintwork. • Keep your screen wash levels topped up – and check the levels every couple of weeks. 1. Buy a container of windscreen washer fluid. You can get this from a garage or motoring shop. Be aware of snow on the road. Read our severe weather driving tips for more information. What to do if you have ice on your car If you run out of de-icer spray, you can use a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar as an alternative. Avoid using credit cards or other makeshift scrapers like pen knives and CDs – these can cause damage to them and your windscreen. Keep your windscreen wipers switched off before most of the ice has thawed; otherwise rubber from the wipers can stick to the ice, causing them to break. Also, stay in your car or just near it when de-icing. If you leave your car when it’s running, you’re leaving it exposed to theft. It's a good idea to check your car battery if it's particularly cold or your car has been idle for a few weeks. One common mistake motorists make is to pour boiling water onto icy mirrors, windows or the windscreen – DON’T. This can shatter the glass. And remember to switch on the demister if you have heated windows – just use the wipers when most of the ice has melted. Auto Trader links Services |
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