Motorists who fail to properly clear their car windscreen of ice could face fines.
The offence, which is referred to as ‘pothole vision’, means that drivers have a restricted view out of the windscreen and is punishable by a £60 fine.
It’s an easy issue to avoid, however; providing you properly and thoroughly remove the ice from your windscreen.
Resist the urge to start the car and then leave it alone to warm up. Should your car disappear because you’ve left the keys in the ignitions, it will probably invalidate your car insurance cover.
Don’t use hot water!
Pouring hot water over car’s glass is a definite no-no – despite windscreens improving in quality in recent years, this process is unlikely to do it any favours. Even if it doesn’t result in the whole screen cracking, it could still cause cracks around any existing chips in the glass.
The only items which should be used to clear a frozen screen and windows are de-icer and an ice scraper. You can either buy some de-icer spray or make your own by combining two parts of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) and one part of water in a plastic spray bottle.
Spray the de-icer towards the top of the windows in order to allow it to fall over the entire glass section, then clear away any ice left over with the scraper.
While you’re at it, take an extra 30 seconds to clear your headlights and tail lights. It will make it easier for other cars to see you in murky winter conditions.
It’s also worth checking to make sure that the windscreen washer jets aren’t frozen, and the same goes for the wipers themselves. A quick squirt of de-icer on them should ensure that they aren’t stuck.
