As a severe cold snap grips the nation, millions of British drivers are facing the tedious and time-consuming morning ritual of de-icing their cars. However, a surprising solution, already owned by many, could be hiding in plain sight within garden sheds across the country.
The Secret Garden Tool for a Frost-Free Windscreen
With the Met Office issuing warnings for snow and ice across dozens of counties in England, Scotland, and Wales, and forecasts predicting temperatures could plunge as low as -11C, the search for efficient de-icing methods is on. According to car photographer and former salesman Pete, known online as @Capturing_cars, the answer is a simple watering can.
Pete, who frequently needs to prepare multiple vehicles for photoshoots, swears by this method for its speed and effectiveness. He stated, "I've made a lot of videos about de-icing cars, and I stand by all of those videos I made. But this is how I de-ice cars at work." He elaborated that when he has seven cars to clear in just a couple of hours, his go-to technique is "plenty of warm water and a watering can."
Why Hot Water is a Dangerous Mistake
While using water seems straightforward, experts strongly caution against one critical error. Pouring boiling water from a kettle onto a frozen windscreen is a recipe for disaster. The extreme temperature difference can cause thermal shock, leading the glass to crack or shatter.
This risk is significantly higher for windscreens that already have minor chips, cracks, or other imperfections. The sudden expansion from the heat against the contracted cold glass creates immense stress that the material cannot withstand.
For a safe water-based method, always use lukewarm water at around 30-40°C. This temperature is warm enough to melt ice effectively without posing the risk of thermal shock. If your windscreen is damaged, it is far safer to use a commercial de-icer spray or your car's built-in defroster on a high setting to gradually warm the glass.
Practical Tips and Where to Find the Tool
Even though it is not the prime gardening season, affordable watering cans can still be found for less than £5 on online marketplaces like Amazon. This makes the hack accessible to almost anyone.
After applying lukewarm water, it is crucial to dry the windscreen with an old cloth or towel. This step prevents the water from refreezing into a new layer of ice, defeating the purpose of the quick de-ice. Additionally, be mindful of overspill onto your driveway or path, as this can also refreeze, creating a slip hazard for pedestrians.
This gardening tool trick joins other popular winter hacks that circulate online during cold spells, such as the method of using a water-filled plastic bag dragged across the glass. For drivers across the UK, a quick rummage in the shed this winter might just be the key to a faster, safer start to the day.
