Britain is firmly in winter's grip this week, with plummeting temperatures bringing widespread ice and snow. Countless motorists across the UK have woken to the frustrating sight of a frozen windscreen, a surefire way to start the day running late. However, before you reach for the ice scraper and brace against the chill, experts have highlighted a remarkably simple solution that uses a feature already in your car.
The Overlooked Button That Beats the Ice
Driving Test Success, the UK's leading provider of Theory Test revision materials, recently demonstrated a rapid de-icing method on their TikTok account. The trick centres on a button many drivers forget: the front windscreen fan or demister. The advice, also reported by the Mirror, is straightforward. Put your car's heating system on its highest temperature setting and direct the front windscreen fan to its maximum power. This action heats the glass from the inside, causing the frost to melt away much faster than external scraping alone.
Once the ice begins to liquefy, you can wipe away the excess water before returning the fan to a normal setting. While this may seem like basic knowledge to some, the social media reveal left many drivers astonished they had never used the technique. One amazed commenter called it "magic," while another thanked the account for the valuable lesson.
Expert Advice for Safe Winter Driving
This handy tip is supported by other driving authorities. Clear View Driving has issued similar guidance, urging motorists to activate their front and rear demisters before beginning a journey in frosty conditions. They caution against using windscreen wipers on ice, as this can damage the blades. Importantly, they note that in most modern vehicles, the rear demister also warms the side mirrors, a crucial safety feature for full visibility. If the mirrors aren't clearing, drivers should manually clear them before setting off.
The AA has also weighed in with comprehensive advice for the cold snap. Their recommendations include starting the engine and turning on the warm air blower directed at the windscreen, alongside the rear-window heater and heated mirrors. They also suggest using the air conditioning, which isn't just for summer; it helps remove moisture from the air to prevent the interior from misting up. The AA strongly advises drivers never to use their hands to wipe windows, as this can leave greasy smears, and jewellery like diamond rings can scratch the glass. A lint-free cloth is a safer alternative.
A Debate of Convenience Versus Fuel Economy
Not everyone is convinced by the indoor heating method. Some critics on platforms like TikTok argue that sitting with the engine running to heat the cabin wastes fuel. Their alternative is the traditional, if bracing, approach: getting out with a scraper to clear the ice manually, labelling those who use the blower method as "lazy."
However, motoring organisations emphasise the safety and efficiency benefits. Clearing a windscreen properly is non-negotiable for safe driving, and using the car's built-in systems can achieve a clearer result faster, especially on the interior layer of ice that a scraper can't reach. The consensus from experts is clear: this simple button hack, used correctly, can save time, reduce hassle, and make winter mornings safer for drivers across the UK.
