After the frosty weather across Bristol yesterday (March 8), Spring feels further away than ever. Residents across the city woke up to find their homes, gardens, and cars covered in a thick layer of snow amid national weather warnings for snow and ice.
While the snow from yesterday looks like it has passed us by for the most part, temperatures are expected to stay cold for most which could see a return of driver's least favorite seasonal job - de-icing the car. Instead of being able to spend a precious few extra minutes inside in the warmth, car-owners once again have to diligently scrape the ice from the windscreen.
Whether you use a credit card, scraper, or de-icing spray, it takes time, it's a hassle, and it involves you standing out in the cold. But, instead of reaching for that long-since expired credit card, a driving expert has revealed how to simply and easily di-ice your car while you stay toasty and warm inside of it.
Read more: Met Office hour-by-hour forecast amid snow and ice warning for Bristol
The Mirror reports Driving Test Success, one of the UK's leading providers of Theory Test revision materials, explained on their TikTok account @drivingtestsuccess how to clear ice cover by turning on the windscreen fan. This will warm up the glass beneath, helping to melt the frost away.
In the company's video, they explained: "Frozen windscreen? Put the temperature on high. "Put the front windscreen fan on max. The ice will start to melt from the heat. Wipe away excess water and return the fan to normal."
While this might be obvious to some seasoned drivers, others appeared not to know about the simple trick. One TikTok commenter said: "Wow, magic! The ice is gone." Another praised the account for all their help, as they wrote: "I've learned so much thanks to your app!"
However, others were less impressed with the video with one user slating the idea for "wasting more fuel." "Just get [out] and scrape it off you lazy so and so," they added.
Another video from Clear View Driving also reiterated the advice, saying motorists should start their demister before they set off driving. They said: "Now don't use your windscreen wipers or washers as that won't help. Turn on your front and rear demister.
"The rear demister also heats up your side mirrors in most new cars. But if the mirrors are not clear, make sure to clear them before you start driving. Then, once it's done you can use your wipers."
AA Has also encouraged drivers to "turn on the warm air blower" and "heated mirrors" to help quickly and safely remove frost cover from cars. They explained: "Start the engine and turn on the warm air blower on the windscreen. Switch on the rear windscreen heater and heated mirrors, if you have them. Turn on the air-con. It's not just for summer – it'll remove moisture from the air to stop the car from misting up.
"Don't use your hands to wipe misted-up windows – you'll leave greasy smears and a diamond ring could scratch the glass. Use a lint-free absorbent cloth if necessary. Stay with your car the whole time while the engine's running."
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