SOGO: Tips for Winter

Defrosting Your Windscreen

The time of year has come again when warm boots are pulled out from the back of the cupboard, hats, scarfs and gloves are a must, and coats are zipped up to the top. Winter not only brings the festive season but also icy weather which can be a darn pain when it comes to your car. Making sure you clear your windscreen before setting off is an absolute must, so how can you make that freezing task just a little easier?

As the temperatures plummet in December, and we experience snowfall this close to Christmas (for what seems like the first time in forever!) the team at SOGO share their favourite tips for defrosting a windscreen safely.

Park facing the sun.

Try parking your vehicle facing the East because the sun rises in the East, and it will warm your windscreen from sunrise. It’s an easy tip that can save you minutes of scraping in the morning. Unsure which way is East? Most phones and cars have GPS which can show you the way… or look for the Sun when it comes up, you can’t miss it (big yellow thing in the sky).

A bag of warm water.

Now be very careful with this one, as we see a lot of people pouring kettles of hot water on their windscreen! This is a big mistake, as hot water onto a cold windscreen can crack the glass and lead to a very expensive repair (not what anyone wants). Try using a bag of warm water instead, as used properly this can defrost a screen in minutes.

Simply fill a plastic bag with warm water and rub it slowly over your windscreen to gently clear the glass. Don’t use a carrier bag from your local supermarket though, better to use a freezer bag (which is aptly named), or similar type bag. Always make sure the top is secured too, so you don’t spill any warm – NOT hot – water on yourself.

Cover up.

Use an old bedsheet to protect your windscreen overnight. In the morning simply remove the sheet, and you will be good to go. You can secure the sheet by using the wipers to keep it in place or place a weighted bag on the sheet to stop it from blowing away. There are plenty of "Ice Shields" you can buy too, but make sure you get it secured properly so the wind doesn’t take it for a night time flight down the street.

Most importantly: Always take the time to completely clear your windscreen.

We’ve all seen it. The person risking their life and others by barely clearing their windscreen, or clearing the smallest part possible. With proper preparation clearing your windscreen can take mere minutes or even seconds, which is great if you always find yourself running out of time in the mornings.

For the more legal-minded of you: Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 states: “All glass or other transparent material fitted to a motor vehicle shall be maintained in such condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven on a road”.

It is necessary to keep all windows and windscreens clear; failing to do so could result in a £5,000 fine, so spending the extra time demisting the vehicle is worthwhile. So take a little time to prepare for the ice, and if needed a few minutes to clear your screen properly, and it’ll be safer for you and everyone else.