As the chilly weather sets in and cars start to frost over, many drivers are searching for quicker ways to get their vehicles ready for the road.
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to defrost your windscreen early in the morning while watching precious minutes slip away, knowing that the traffic is only getting worse.
But instead of reaching for the scraper, a driving expert has revealed a handy button that can do the job – and many drivers are clueless about it.
Driving Test Success, the UK’s top provider of Theory Test revision materials, recently shared a video on their TikTok account @drivingtestsuccess explaining how you can clear the ice by simply turning on your car windscreen fan. This heats up the glass from the inside, helping to melt the frost.
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 some experienced drivers might find this tip obvious, many social media users were amazed by the hack. One commenter exclaimed: “Wow, magic! The ice is gone.” Another thanked the account, saying: “I’ve learned so much thanks to your app!”
However, not everyone was impressed. One TikTok user dismissed the idea, stating: “Wastes more fuel. Just get [out] and scrape it off you lazy so and so.” Driving Test Success isn’t the first to share this easy de-icing trick. Clear View Driving also suggested using the car’s demister before setting off. They advised: “Now don’t use your windscreen wipers or washers as that won’t help. Turn on your front and rear demister.”
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
“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.”
During the chilly winter months, the AA also recommends using the “turn on the warm air blower” and “heated mirrors” to quickly and safely remove frost.
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.”
* This article was crafted with the help of an AI engine, which speeds up OK!’s editorial research and applies it to article templates created by journalists in our newsrooms. An OK! editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to okletters@reachplc.com
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