On the first proper frost of the year, half the country is out on the drive scraping windscreens in the dark before work. In a rush, it is tempting to cut corners, but a few common mistakes can crack your glass, drain your battery or even lead to your car being stolen. Here is how to defrost your car quickly and safely, and what to do if that cold morning ends with a car that simply will not start. K9 Recovery and Transport is here 24/7. Any time, any place, any vehicle, any situation.
Never use boiling water on your windscreen
This is the big one. Pouring hot or boiling water on frozen glass causes a sudden temperature change that can crack or shatter the windscreen instantly, an expensive mistake that turns a five-minute job into a repair bill. Lukewarm water is safer but can refreeze and make things worse. Stick to a proper scraper and a good de-icer spray instead.
Never leave your car running unattended
Leaving the engine idling with the keys in while you nip back inside for a coffee is illegal on a public road and invites theft. Insurers routinely refuse claims for cars stolen while left running to defrost, so-called “frosting”. If you want to warm the car, sit in it, or use a plug-in windscreen cover the night before.
The safe, quick way to de-ice
- Start the engine and set the heater to the windscreen, with air conditioning on if you have it, to dry the air.
- Use a plastic scraper on the outside, working from the top down. Do not use a credit card, CD case or metal scraper that scratches glass.
- Spray de-icer on stubborn areas rather than hacking at thick ice.
- Clear all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof fully. Driving with a peephole is dangerous and can earn you a fine.
- A cheap windscreen frost cover fitted overnight saves you the job entirely.
When cold mornings kill your battery
Cold weather is brutal on batteries, and running heaters, blowers, lights and heated screens all at once on a short journey drains them further. If you turn the key and get nothing but a weak whirr or a click, the battery is the usual culprit. Our jump-start service can get you going again without the wait, and if the battery is truly finished and the car will not run at all, we will recover it. If it is broken down, we can move it, wherever you are in the UK.
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Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I use warm water to speed things up?
The sudden temperature change can crack or shatter your windscreen, and any water left behind quickly refreezes. A scraper and de-icer are far safer.
Is it illegal to leave my car running to defrost?
On a public road, yes, and your insurer is likely to reject a theft claim if the car is stolen while left running unattended. Never leave keys in an idling car.
My car won’t start after a frosty night. What now?
It is usually a flat battery. Call 07301 118118 and our jump-start team can often get you going, or recover the car if needed.
Do I really have to clear the whole windscreen and roof?
Yes. Driving with obscured vision or snow that can slide onto the screen is dangerous and can result in a fine and penalty points.