Defrosting your Windscreen

A study by the AA shows that 12 per cent of drivers don’t remove all of the ice from their car windows before driving off. This statistic increases to 20 per cent with younger drivers.

Ensuring that your windows are clear of ice or frost prior to driving off is fundamental to your own safety, and the safety of other road users. Here, we offer some top tips on defrosting your windscreen, as well as some advice from Paul Shield, bodyshop and service manager at Springfield Garage, in Gateshead, Newcastle.

Tips for a frost-free windscreen:

• Using a scraper and de-icer on the outside of your car is a failsafe way to remove ice and frost.
• To speed up the process, ensure that you start your engine, and switch on the heaters. If you’re doing this – make sure that you stay with the vehicle at all times, to avoid an opportunist taking your car!
• Do not use boiling water to defrost your windscreen - this could lead to chips or even cracks in the glass – and if it’s cold enough, it will re-freeze before you have the chance to clear it.
• Our winter driving safety expert Paul Shield, from Springfield Garage, suggests that you consider using a windscreen shield treatment, which helps prevent ice sticking, and improves visibility when driving in the rain.

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