Motoring expert warns against viral TikTok hack to defrost car quicker
Drivers are being warned against trying out a viral TikTok hack to defrost your car.
With temperatures set to plummet again this week, drivers are always looking for quick way to clear the ice from their windscreens.
TikTok users believe they have found the perfect solution, however experts are advising against trying it out. They claim putting a layer of cardboard on their vehicle the night before prevents frost from forming overnight.
READ MORE: Four groups of PIP claimants most-likely to get ongoing payment award of £737
READ MORE: New calls to 'stop repeating’ PIP assessments for all disabled people nears important milestone
One user discovered tried the hack out, claiming it's not as effective as some would lead you to believe.
Abbey, whose TikTok name is @abbeyclare, followed the recommended steps but found the cardboard had frozen to her windscreen and struggled to remove it.
In another video, Abbey shows the partially damp cardboard, pulling at all the edges to show how stuck it is. She then compares it to the new windscreen cover she has bought, which comes off in seconds to reveal a frost-free car.
Graham Conway, Managing Director of leading UK vehicle leasing firm Select Car Leasing, said: “I can see the appeal of this hack in theory, but it is rarely effective. In order to prevent frost you would have to ensure the cardboard was fitted to the windscreen so that dew couldn’t get underneath and then freeze.
“Any gaps allow moisture in, which can then freeze your makeshift cover to the car. Removing this is not just more time-consuming, it can also scratch your windscreen if any grit is on the glass.”
Remaining cardboard could block the motorist’s vision on the road or block windscreen wipers, affecting their performance.
Graham added: “TikTok is filled with handy tips and tricks, but when it comes to your vehicle I would always proceed with caution.
“We’ve seen shower curtains, bed sheets, towels and other household items used to create a barrier against frost. Some motorists also still make the error of using boiling water on their windscreen, which can cause it to crack.
“Another shocking one is using salt to prevent ice build-up. While grit salt is effective for our roads, any salt on your car can be corrosive, damaging rubber seals and paintwork too.”
