With temperatures plummeting and snow already blanketing parts of the UK, the morning scramble to de-ice the car and navigate a slippery driveway is a daily reality for many. However, a series of expert-backed tips can transform these frosty delays into a thing of the past, ensuring safer journeys for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
Driveway Dangers and Simple Traction Solutions
The journey from your front door to your car can be perilous when ice strikes. Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Car Leasing, offers a surprisingly effective solution that many households already own. He recommends using non-clumping clay cat litter, scattered directly onto an icy driveway. This provides instant traction for both feet and tyres, significantly reducing the risk of slips and skids before you even start the engine.
Smart Car Defrosting: Ditch the Scraper and Boiling Water
The traditional method of scraping a windscreen is not only laborious but can damage glass. More dangerously, using boiling water is a major no-go, as the sudden temperature change can cause cracks. Consumer champion Which? advises a smarter approach. Get into your vehicle, start the engine, and turn the warm air blowers to full power, directing them at the windscreen and rear window. Engage the defrost setting if your car has one. While the cabin warms up, applying a commercial de-icer spray to the exterior will speed up the process dramatically.
Proactive Protection: Covers and Clever Hacks
Prevention is always better than cure on cold nights. Fitting a dedicated windshield cover is the most effective way to ensure a clear view in the morning. In a pinch, an old towel or piece of cardboard can also work. For wing mirrors, motoring expert Ben Welham from Cinch suggests a quirky but effective trick: cover them with old socks. This simple act stops frost from forming at all, saving precious minutes. "Just remember to whip them off before starting your journey," he quips.
Another preventative measure targets interior fogging. A TikTok user known as @sorbocleaninguk shared a "game-changer" for super cold weather: placing a dehumidifier inside your car. Positioning it under a seat allows it to absorb excess moisture from the air overnight, preventing the windscreen from fogging up from the inside when you start your drive.
By integrating these five straightforward strategies—using cat litter for traction, defrosting intelligently, covering your windscreen, protecting wing mirrors, and controlling interior moisture—you can reclaim your winter mornings. These steps not only save time but are essential for maintaining safety for everyone on the road during the UK's coldest months.
