Motorist amazed as 'random' hack to de-ice car works wonders – but there's problem

A frozen car windscreen
-Credit:Getty Images/iStockphoto


With temperatures across the country remaining low, Brits have grown accustomed to the battle to get their car windows clear each morning.

With many of us wasting hours in total trying to scrape off unwanted ice, it's no wonder a hack to solve the age-old issue has gone viral on social media.

The handy trick offers a way of avoiding cranking the heating up and leaving the de-icer untouched – but experts have advised against it. The trick involves filling a plastic zip-lock bag full of lukewarm water and slowly wiping it across your windscreen. A video demonstrating the method by user239066573097 has proven popular on TikTok although users in the comments have been quick to criticise.

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Some commenters have jumped out to warn of the potential dangers of the hack as one said: "This is likely to crack your windshield. It’s not a hack." while another added: "We from CarGlass thank you for your support and future business".

The experts at Windscreen Wipers have poured cold water onto the hot water trick, however, and have warned of the potential dangers. They said: "Using water of any temperature to de-ice windscreens is not advised. Hot water will cause the glass to expand, which can result in it cracking or even shattering, and cold water can freeze on top of existing ice and frost.

"Both methods can damage your windscreen, sometimes beyond repair. A hack instructs drivers to rub 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."

Instead, the motoring experts have suggested using windscreen washer fluid that has been designed to withstand freezing temperatures. Having a much lower freezing point, the wiper fluid can safely melt the snow without a dramatic change to the glass and get you on your way with little fuss.