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UK Experts Urge Safe De-Icing: Socks on Mirrors and Warm‑Water Hacks, Not Boiling Kettles

Motoring bodies stress low-risk methods during a prolonged freeze under a Met Office amber warning.

Overview

  • Ben Welham of Cinch recommends putting old socks on wing mirrors overnight to prevent ice build-up and says potato tricks leave a gunky residue.
  • Green Flag and Which? warn drivers not to pour boiling or very hot water on frozen windscreens due to cracking risks and dangerous refreezing.
  • Quick, lower-risk options highlighted include gliding a sealed ziplock bag filled with warm—not boiling—water over glass and using rubbing-alcohol de‑icer sprays.
  • Official guidance favors using in‑car demist settings, warm air blowers, rear heaters and, where available, air conditioning to clear screens, with the AA endorsing this approach.
  • The Met Office reports Arctic air across the UK with an amber snow warning in effect and further wintry hazards likely, keeping de‑icing advice in focus.