As Britain shivers under an Arctic blast, a motoring expert has revealed a surprisingly simple household item that can save drivers precious minutes on frosty mornings: an old pair of socks.
The Simple Sock Solution for Frozen Mirrors
With the Met Office issuing an amber warning for snow and forecasting sub-zero temperatures to persist, de-icing vehicles has become a daily chore for many. Ben Welham, a motoring expert at Cinch, suggests wrapping your car's wing mirrors in socks overnight to prevent ice from forming.
"Using your socks may get some strange looks from your neighbours, but it's effective," Welham explained. He emphasises that this simple act can shave valuable minutes off your morning routine, though he cautions drivers to remember to remove the socks before setting off.
Hacks to Avoid: The Viral Potato Method
While endorsing the sock method, Welham strongly advises against another popular online tip: using a potato to defrost your windscreen. This trend, which has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, is more likely to create a problem than solve one.
"This TikTok trend might look clever, but you'll end up with a gunky mess across your windscreen that's harder to shift than the frost itself," he warned. The starchy residue from the potato can smear and obscure vision, posing a safety risk.
Alternative Solutions and Official Warnings
For those battling condensation inside the vehicle, experts from Cardiff Window Cleaner Ltd recommend a homemade solution. A mix of two cups of water, two cups of white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap, applied with a spray bottle, can create a protective barrier on windows. The vinegar barrier and soap's surface-tension-breaking properties help keep views clear.
The ongoing cold spell, expected to last well into next week, has prompted serious warnings from forecasters. Neil Armstrong, the Met Office's chief forecaster, stated: "With Arctic air now covering most of the UK very cold weather will continue through the weekend, with minus double figures overnight in places and daytime temperatures struggling to rise above 0°C for some."
He urged the public to stay updated with forecasts and plan ahead, as further wintry hazards and weather warnings are likely. As January progresses, central and northern regions are still braced for potential snowfall, making practical tips like the sock hack more valuable than ever for UK motorists.
