Could you be breaking the law as you defrost your car?
Take note!
As the temperature drops, many of us are having to get up that bit earlier to defrost the car. Could you be at risk of breaking the law as you struggle to defrost your car? Well, if you have a habit of leaving your car running, but unattended you could be...
According to a police spokesperson: "Anyone who needs to defrost their vehicle must ensure they stay with it and don't leave it unattended with the keys inside.
"Leaving the engine running to 'warm up' during the winter months not only risks having the vehicle stolen, it's against the law."
They continued: "Don't make it easy for opportunist thieves because they don't even have to go to the trouble of breaking into your vehicle if you have left it running for them.
"Insurance companies may not pay out if a vehicle is stolen in this way."
So, with that in mind, here are some tips on how to defrost you car quickly, to things you should and shouldn't do when you're scraping the frost away, make sure you take note!
Here are some things you NEED to know if you will be defrosting your car this winter:
1. Make sure your engine is on!
It sounds silly, but make sure your engine is on, turn up your blowers as hot as the temperature will go. Make sure you also have them directed at your front windscreen and turn on the back windscreen heater too.
If you have heated wing mirrors make sure they are on as well, there's nothing worse than thinking you have defrosted everything to realise you forgot about them!
2. Turn your A/C on
If you have air conditioning then switch it on, while most think it is just for hot weather, it can also be used in cold weather. According to the AA's website using A/C will remove moisture from the air meaning the inside of your car is less likely to freeze.
3. Don't leave your car
While it might be tempting to turn your car on and leave it, you should never go far because it is actually illegal to leave your car unattended. As well as committing an offence you also put your car at risk of being stolen. If the keys are in the car you are also unlikely to be covered by your insurance, so not only could your car be stolen, you would be left without any compensation.
4. Remove any snow
You should make sure that you remove any snow from your car. There's nothing worse than a load of snow landing on your car from the car in front, or a load of snow being picked up from your bonnet dumping it on your windscreen and obstructing your view.
5. Boiling water is a no, no!
NEVER use boiling water on your car, as tempting as it might be, never use it as a way to de-ice your car - it could easily crack your windscreen.
6. Get some de-icer and a scraper
Nothing beats a bit of hard work, get yourself some de-icer and a good scraper and you'll soon have your car defrosted in no time.
7. Don't use your hands to clean the glass!
Don't be tempted to save money and use your hands to clear the screen. Not only will you get very cold hands, you will smear the screen, and if you have jewellery a diamond ring will easily scratch the glass.
8. Make sure that you clear all of the windows and windscreens
There's nothing worse than peaking through a tiny hole in the frost, and it can be dangerous too. Make sure it's completely clear before you set off, even if you think you'll be OK being able to see through a square inch!
9. Take your wipers off auto
If you have automatic wipers make sure you turn them off when the weather turns cold. If they are on auto they might try to move, but if they are frozen in place they could damage the motor and break.
So, as the mornings get colder and colder, make sure you allow enough time to properly clear your windscreen.
10. Open your sun visors
As documented in a TikTok video by a user called Sarah, opening your sun visor whilst blasting your heating will speed up the process.
Now check out the best tips to keep your house warm in the winter:
1. Radiator Reflectors
If your radiator is joined to an outside wall, the heat can be lost to the outside. With a reflector installed behind the radiator, the panel helps retain the heat by reflecting it back into the room.
2. Tape up keyholes and catflaps
A lot of draught can be let in through small gaps around the house, so tape up those keyholes and loose-fitting pet flaps to check there is no breeze sneaking its way in.
3. Sofa Blanket
Introducing... the sblanket. For those evenings spent curled up on the sofa with a cuppa, having a blanket permanently on the sofa means that you won't have to get up five minutes later, realising you're cold and grabbing for the dressing gown!
4. Draught stoppers
The proper ones can be pretty pricey, but the classic sausage dog definitely does the trick for keeping the draft out between the door and the floor. You can also stuff a pair of tights with socks and pop it under the door if you're feeling DIY!
5. Hot drinks
Whether you're into your hot chocolate, your peppermint tea or your honey and lemon, a hot beverage warms you up a treat when the nights draw in.
6. Thick curtains
When it comes to curtains in winter, the thicker the better! And if you don't fancy splashing out on a new pair of curtains, you can line them yourself with fleece.
7. Let the daylight in
Even if you are using lovely thick, luscious new curtains, open them up during the day! Letting as much natural light (and therefore heat) in as possible is essential for homely heat retention.
8. Hot water bottle
They're as old as the hills, but nothing goes further than a warm water-filled bottle to tuck under your jumper while you're snuggling on the sofa.
9. It's all about LAYERS
When it comes to getting warm, layers are the key. So it's time to get the vest, the t-shirt, the long-sleeved shirt, the jumper, the scarf and the blanket out of the wardrobe. It does increase your washing loads a bit, though...
10. Get snug in a onesie
Probably one of the comfiest items in the world, and obviously also one of the most attractive! Onesies are a great thing to whack on at the end of the day – they're super comfy, and cover literally every part of you!
For the latest traffic and travel news make sure you listen to Cool FM.