How to de-ice your car and windscreen in the winter

Storm Isha has made conditions tricky for motorists and commuters
Removing ice and snow is a sign of winter
AFP via Getty Images
Tom Herbert|William Mata22 January 2024

Cold, windy and frosty weather has come to London in 2024 – be it from Storm Isha or just the standard chill associated with January.

While commuters have suffered with delays and cancellations (not to mention planes being grounded) motorists are having to deal with one of the least fun aspects of owning a car (aside from paying insurance), which is de-icing it. The bitter and sometimes painful activity is almost guaranteed to make you, or someone in your workplace late, but it is necessary to complete before attempting to drive anywhere.

And that's not just our advice but the wording of the Highway Code, which states that your windscreen must be kept clear of obstructions to your vision when driving. This means ice must be cleared from both the front and rear windscreens and all of the windows before setting off.

As 'tis the season to be chilly, here is what to do (and not do) to ensure a safe journey.

You need to be able to see out of your windscreen

How to de-ice your car in winter

While many people will turn to the kettle and pour boiling water on the windscreen to clear it of ice, this is not recommended as it could crack your windscreen. Similarly, you shouldn't use anything but a specialised windscreen scraper to clear the ice. Credit or debit cards are also not recommended as they could snap or scratch your windscreen.

Before heading off, it may be worth starting the engine to heat up the car, setting the heater on defrost and whacking the temperature on full heat. Then spray some de-icer on the windscreen or a concoction of water with salt, vinegar or alcohol to melt the frost. Pour it from the top so it can dribble down. You will need to use a scraper as well to ensure all the frost comes off – use broad strokes across the entire screen and don't just clear the driver's side.

But, remember, never leave your car unattended while the motor is running. Not only do you need to be "in control" of your car at all times it will help prevent thieves from driving off with it.

And you must clear all the windows of ice not just the corner of the windscreen you can see out of, including the mirrors, lights and number plates.

In addition, the Highway Code says you must remove all snow from the car that might fall off into the path of other road users.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in