Drivers warned over dangerous de-icing hack that could see you hit with £1,00 fine

Tasha Hall
·2-min read
windscreen
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)


As we move into December, cold frosty weather is just on the horizon, which means many drivers across the nation will wake up to a frozen windscreen.

It comes following yellow weather warnings from the Met Office across many parts of Scotland at the start of this week until Wednesday, November 20. Temperatures are set to plummet to below freezing, with travel chaos likely in many areas.

And it seems that people are trying to find the most efficient method for de-icing their car, as Windscreen Wipers have spotted searches for ‘clearing windscreen’ have risen by 48 percent over the last three months.

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Drivers are being warned against a common but hazardous habit when de-icing their windscreens this winter. Known as portholing, this involves clearing only a small patch of the windscreen, creating a "porthole" to look through while driving.

However, this can be extremely dangerous and may result in a £60 fine, potentially increasing to £1,000 for a standard car and upto £2,500 for a £2,500 for PCV or goods vehicle if deemed to be driving dangerously, according to the Highway Code.

defrosting car windshield with melting ice, view from inside of a vehicle
Motorists have been warned of portholing this winter -Credit:Getty Images/iStockphoto

In addition to avoiding portholing, there are other common mistakes drivers make when de-icing their vehicles. To ensure safe driving practices, it's essential to be aware of these do's and dont's as outlined by the experts.

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Things not to do when de-icing your car windscreen

  • Don't use hot water, as it can cause the glass to shatter.

  • Don't use sharp objects, such as keys or screwdrivers, to scrape away ice, as they can scratch the windscreen.

  • Don't leave your car unattended with the engine running, as this can make it a target for thieves.

  • Don’t fall for online hacks, such as hot water in a sandwich bag on the windscreen to quickly remove frost. Hot water, even in a bag, can cause damage and small cracks in the glass which may not be noticeable until it's too late.

Safe and effective windscreen de-icing hacks

  • Do use a proper ice scraper or de-icer spray to clear the entire windscreen.

  • Do turn on your car's heating system to help loosen ice and frost.

  • Do use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture and prevent streaks.

  • Do check your windscreen wipers are in good condition and replace them if necessary.

  • Do allow plenty of time to clear your windscreen before setting off, and consider using a windscreen cover or sunshade to prevent ice from forming overnight.

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