Drives are being warned of a screen wash mistake which is common in the colder temperatures which have hit the country. When preparing their cars for ice and snow, some motorists can forget how to dilute their screen wash.
Many are aware of the need to keep their washer fluid topped up, but others aren't and more drivers still forget to change the dilution ratio depending on the time of the year. Auto experts at Dick Lovett explained that doing it wrong could be damaging for your car, reports The Mirror.
They said: "Too much water could end up freezing your windscreen washer system, as dilution ratios for winter weather are completely different from the summer."
Dick Lovett said your best bet is to follow the instructions on the bottle, but the expert also has advice for checking you are using the right amount of water.
"To prevent freezing you should check the suggested dilution ratios that may be provided on the bottle, otherwise, a good rule of thumb is to ensure your solution is more concentrated during the winter period."
Other important tips include checking tyres regularly and checking your wipers for tears. Avoid using windscreen wipers to remove ice, snow or frost as this can damage wiper blades.
According to the professional, use a scraper and avoid using boiling water.
"Defrost your windows and windscreen correctly - using boiling water directly on the glass could cause it to crack. Instead, try heating your window from the inside of the car and using a scraper, or de-icer."
You may also be thankful for an SOS snow kit, in case something goes wrong on the road. In the chance you do get stuck in the snow, you will be glad you packed high-vis jackets, blankets, a shovel, a portable charger, a tow rope and towing eye.
