As we head firmly into the festive period, the recent adverse weather conditions mean that drivers often need to spend extra time getting their cars ready for the road. But research from MORE THAN shows that many drivers aren’t spending as much time on this as they should be, with two in five (40%) admitting to setting off without fully de-icing their car. This trend is even more prominent among younger drivers, rising to 52%.
The main reasons behind why people set off without fully de-icing their windscreen are because they were in a hurry, with 42% using this excuse, and because they thought they could see well enough (36%).
While we may not like the idea of spending extra time preparing the car for the road before setting off, cutting corners can come at a huge cost. Driving without a clear windscreen can be dangerous, leaving drivers with reduced visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. So, even if you’re in a hurry, think about whether it’s worth the risk of damaging your car and potentially injuring yourself and others.
Debunking de-icing myths
The importance of de-icing your car is clear, but you can also damage your car by using incorrect de-icing techniques. Data from MORE THAN shows that one in ten (9%) drivers have damaged their windscreen while trying to de-ice it, and last year we saw 19% more claims for windscreen repairs in colder months.
There are some strange myths around de-icing your car, including using onions, sticks or potatoes to clear your windscreen. However, the biggest mistake you can make while trying to de-ice your windscreen is using hot water, as this can cause the glass to crack. Using windscreen wipers to try and clear ice is another common mistake, as this can damage your wiper blades.
