It's that time of year for de-icing the car. Been late yet? Trying to find last years de-icer right now? Actually put one can in the car now so it helps when you're leaving work on a cold frosty evening. Finding that the nozzle is missing or there is barely anything left inside and trying not to swear in front of the kids. Why have these things been kept all summer?
I did use the kettle on my frosty windscreen the other morning. I could feel my neighbours gasping, what is that looney weather woman doing, she should know better. The water was barely warm. Although, it was still giving off steam and did alarm me for. after a moment I realised that I could see my breath and I'm only 37C. I carefully poured the water over all the windows, they all cleared apart from the stubborn ice on the inside of the front windscreen, why is that always there? However, and this is one reason you shouldn't use a kettle, all the water dribbled over my driveway and froze instantly all over the ground. I do apologise to my postie. The other reason is that you may crack your windscreen with the whole water temperature gamble.
The best method is to use de-icer and a proper scraper, not a scratchy credit card. Sitting inside your car with the engine running and the fans on is a waste of fuel, your time and not that great for your engine. Also, there is the temptation to just nip inside for something and then your car gets nicked. It happens every year #PostcodeLottery.
De-icers come in different strengths. I lived in Grampian through the snow winters 2010/11/12. We had -22C for over a week and the local supermarket still had the rubbish -5C de-icers on their shelves. So, check the temperature on your can or bottle, -15, -25, -36C. I see there is pre-icer for sale, does this work?
By now your screenwash should be pure, with no diluting water. It will need refilling a lot, even worth taking spare on longer journeys. I used loads this weekend in an hour up and down the A1. Winter is messy on the roads.
It's worth keeping one can of de-icer inside by the door. It's not as cold to use in the morning
You do have to do all your windows and the whole of your windscreen. That peep hole is not enough and is illegal. Also, should we ever get a covering of snow, you should also clear all the snow off the top of your car. Although all the townies will be #WellJel of the 2" snow from your rural dwelling, when you arrive at the station or work car park, it's dangerous. Braking sharply will throw it all over your windscreen or, when at any speed, it will launch itself onto the car behind and could cause an accident. Scrape it off with one of those yellow plastic rake like things.
It's all a pain because in winter no one wants to get up. It's dark, it's cold and we should all be hibernating. However, just an extra 10-15 mins is needed on those frosty days. Check your local forecast to see when the frost is forecast.
One last tip - turn your lights, radio and wipers off when you park your car. It reduces the strain on the engine when starting up on these cold mornings but also who hasn't turned the key and groaned at that awful grinding sound of the wipers cracking against ice as they try to return to rest position. Wasn't me.
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