Overview
- Green Flag says pouring very hot or boiling water risks thermal shock that can crack windscreens, and spilled water can refreeze into hazardous ice.
- The recommended method is a commercial de-icer spray used with an ice scraper, with advice to avoid improvised tools like credit cards or CD cases.
- De-icer is on sale from about £2 and is marketed to work down to roughly minus 15C, though users caution some formulations can be harmful to cats.
- A towel placed over the windscreen is trending as a prevention tip, but it can freeze to the glass if it gets wet and is less effective in severe cold.
- UK rules require clear visibility or drivers risk fines up to £100 and three penalty points, with ice and snow needing removal from all windows, lights, mirrors and number plates.