The Do’s and Don’t of De-Icing Your Vehicle this Winter

As the colder months roll in, the early morning commute can feel even more daunting. According to research conducted by Green Flag, 1/3 of motorists have admitted to hitting the road without fully de-icing their vehicle. Driving without a clear windscreen can be extremely dangerous and incorrect de-icing can lead to vehicle damage!

Here are our do’s and don’t for de-icing your vehicle this winter.

Don’t – Use boiling water!

Although the remaining kettle water from your morning cuppa’ seems like the ideal counter to your frosty windscreen, the sudden change in temperature from freezing to boiling can cause the glass to expand rapidly and create cracks.

Do – Use tap water.

Even warm water can have potentially damaging consequences for your car’s windscreen. Simply, fill a bucket of COLD water and pour all over your car windows to clear the ice. The temperature of cold tap water in the UK is typically between 7-15 degrees which is warm enough to leave a slush that can be removed with a scraper or cloth.

Don’t – Use non-purpose-built scrapers.

Reaching for a CD case or credit card to help clear your windscreen may seem like an easy solution however non-purpose-built scrapers can cause tiny scratches which can impact your visibility in some lights.

Do – Use purpose-built Scrapers and de-icer.

The most efficient way to clear ice from your vehicle is to use a de-icing spray and a purpose-built scraper to clear your windows. Be sure to get a set for each of your vehicles if you own 2 or more cars!

Don’t – Rush!

Driving with a partially clear windscreen can seriously impact visibility and therefore poses a serious safety concern. Be sure to leave enough time before your morning commute to completely clear your windscreen. Also, don’t forget to de-ice ALL your windows including your mirrors and your lights! If you are involved in a non-fault accident, it could become your fault if there is evidence of ice on your windows.

Do – Use a Car cover mat.

Items such as a car cover mat are great at preventing the build up of ice on your car overnight! Be sure that any covers used are securely fitted or else a storm or windy night could see them take flight.

Don’t – Leave your car unattended with the engine on

Leaving your car unattended with the engine on in public is a criminal offence! You could risk a fine of £20 and three penalty points for leaving your car to de-ice without being in the vehicle. Although it is not an offence to leave your car running unattended on your personal drive, your vehicle will become an easy target for criminals.

Do – Use your car’s heated windscreen.

Several cars in the Sandicliffe range feature a heated windscreen. For example, Ford models including the Mach-E, Puma and Kuga all feature Ford’s Quickclear Heated Windscreen. By simply pressing one button, ultra-thin filaments can superheat to de-ice, de-fog and de-mist your windscreen as well as help de-freeze the wipers. The system works in seconds, even if it’s below zero degrees.

This blog post is for informational purposes only. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual and seek professional assistance if required.