South Bristol Direct Local Magazine February 2022

Page 16

Prevent windscreen frost build up using common household objects Drivers are being urged to follow certain tips to prevent frost from building up on their cars as the temperatures fall below freezing.

Windshield wiper blades?

With winter in full swing, experts are urging motorists to take action to prevent frost from forming on their windscreen after a cold night.

Finally, if you don’t have special windshield wiper fluid for colder seasons, you can adapt it.

Drivers can cover their windscreen with rubber bath mats or a folded sheet to prevent frost from building up before a chilly night.

Just add five tablespoons of rubbing alcohol to your wiper fluid tank to keep it from freezing inside your car.

The windshield wipers can be used to keep it in place.

Wipe them down with a soft cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to keep them from sticking to your windshield.

You could also use this mix as a car de-icer. Just activate the wiper fluid and you’ll be clearing your windshield in a cinch.”

Do not to use newspaper as it is too thin and To make life a bit easier, the side mirrors can can freeze onto the windscreen. be covered with carrier bags and secured with Some could also make at home remedies rubber bands to stop them freezing. to keep their car windows from freezing, by making different solutions, including mixing Experts at Kwik Fit also provided some advice three parts vinegar to one part water. for drivers looking for an easy getaway in the mornings. These solutions have a lower freezing temperature than water and therefore only freeze over at much lower temperatures. Experts have advised drivers to use household items to prevent frost from building Drivers are being warned of the potential up. fines they face if they do not clear their vision properly before setting off. They advise: “Should temperatures fall even below the freezing point of our economical It’s annoying to wait until the windscreen de-icers, and you don’t have a car windscreen clears when you’re in a hurry, it’s freezing frost cover at hand, there’s no need to worry. cold and the glass is frosted over. You can also use a towel, a piece of carpet, cardboard or even a shower curtain to protect your windshield from freezing over. Another trick is to park in the right direction: Just have your car front window point east – that’s where the sun rises. Especially if you don’t have to head out before sunrise and nothing blocks the sun, you can just let nature do all the work for you. 16

But it is an offence to drive without properly defrosting or demisting your vehicle and the police can fine you for relying on ‘porthole vision’ - where drivers leave a gap big enough to see out of but not the whole windscreen. Using a vehicle with parts or accessories in a ‘dangerous condition’ could result in a fine of £60 and three penalty points. Though the offences and consequences could be greater if you cause an accident.


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