Few Dos And Don’ts While De-Icing Your Car

by Nil’s Tyre Services Auotomotive

Getting up early in freezing mornings to clean the car glasses blanketed by snow is a headache. Performing this had-to-do job correctly is important so you can get a clear view through your windshield and windows. Although you cannot avoid weather conditions, some ways can help in reducing your efforts used in de-icing your car. Moreover, a cleanly de-iced car saves you from paying hefty fines and getting penalty points on your driving license besides preventing unexpected accidents. Here are some tips to de-ice your car in a proficient manner, that are categorised under two heads - dos and don’ts:

Do spout standard to lukewarm water over the door handle to melt the ice frozen on it and remove the ice as soon as it gets soft enough, with the help of a sturdy rag. You can also wipe this soft ice with your gloved hands.
Don’t use metal objects such as key, metal scraper, or spatula as these tools could scrape the paint of your car.
Do clear your windshield from top to bottom and from outside to inside, including wipers. A partially cleaned windscreen can invite big troubles, such as road accidents, due to restricted vision. Moreover, who is interested in getting three penalty points on her/his driving license along with a fine of £60 just for not doing a few minutes job appropriately? Not only this, by law, you are also required to de-ice your side windows, lights, and mirrors. Also, lifting your wipers stuck to the windscreen is also a must-do, as the frozen wipers will refuse to move when the need arises which can burn the motor out or tear the blades.
Don’t stream hot water onto your windscreen covered with snow as it can crack your glass. Furthermore, doing this in freezing temperatures will turn the hot water tossed in freezing cold air into powder.
Do get into your car and start your car with the climate controller set on defroster mode. Your windscreen will soon warm up and defrost in 5 to 15 minutes.
Don’t idle your engine to demist your windows on a public road as it can result in getting a fixed penalty notice of £20 under Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, 1986. In case you cannot avoid doing this at your private place, make sure you are sitting inside the car as it’s not an idea to leave your car unattended and open for thieves.
Do yourself a favour and dedicate at least ten minutes of your time to de-ice your car properly. To speed up the process you can use a steadfast ice scraper that comes in handy.
Don’t use a hair dryer or portable heater to speed up the melting process. Also never attempt to free your car’s door with the help of a cigarette lighter, ice pick, propane torch, or a screwdriver. It’s better to arrive at your destination a little late than never.
De-icing sprays can prove very useful in cleaning your car. In case you don’t have any, you can prepare your own defrosting solution by mixing one teaspoon of salt in one glass of water. Spraying a saltwater solution sparingly over your car will accelerate the de-icing process.
Don’t use the same in excessive amount; a heavy application could harm the glass.

De-icing or defrosting your car in cold mornings is certainly not fun but it is essential for you as well as other road users from a safety point of view. Your car maintenance is actually a challenge in freezing winters. But by adopting the do’s and avoiding the don’ts mentioned above you can keep your car and yourself safe. Don’t rush through routine winter car tasks and always use the safe ice removal methods for clearing your car.

Add more safety, comfort, traction, grip, and fuel efficiency to your vehicle by replacing your ordinary tyres with Winter Tyres Blackburn. Contact Nil’s Tyre Services to be aptly prepared for dealing with the other winter challenges such as dead batteries and tyre replacement. Choose a perfect winter tyre for your car here or take our tyre expert’s assistance in picking up the most efficient tyre for your car from among a wide selection of all-season and Winter Tyres Blackburn options.