Drivers urged to 'use sandwich bag' to escape £1,650 charge over winter

Mechanics have said drivers can de-ice their car in a "second" this winter - by using a sandwich bag. According to Halfords, one in five people have admitted to using boiling water on their cars as they rush to set off - but this can prove costly.

Roosterinsurance, an insurance firm, said: "Don't ever pour boiling water down your windscreen unless you want [it to crack]. Make sure you're not using your windscreen wipers as they can get damaged if you turn them on while there's ice or snow on your windscreen."

The company added: "If you take a bag full of warm water, make sure it's warm and not boiling and rub it on the windscreen. That will take off a thin layer of ice or snow." It said: "If it's a thicker layer of ice or snow, using a scraper is the best way to avoid any damage to the windscreen."

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Despite the 'handy' sandwich bag hack, the insurance firm did say: "Honestly, the best thing to do is just to wake up on time, turn on your car heater and let the car warm up gradually." The cost of windscreen replacement can range from £188 for a small budget car up to around £1,650 for a high-tech Range Rover windscreen.

When using the sandwich bag hack, make sure to move it around, as leaving it in one spot for too long could lead to a rapid change in temperature and your glass cracking. If your insurance policy has windscreen cover, you can make a claim for windscreen repairs or replacements. However, you may be charged an excess.

If the repair cost is low, you may consider paying out of your own pocket to avoid the excess and any potential increase in your insurance premiums in the future.