From inside the car, your windscreen is your strongest link to the outside world. An icy windscreen is at best an inconvenience and at worst, a health hazard. However, we have a few pointers to follow that will keep your windshield fully protected during the winter season.
Time Management
Before settling down for the night, put a RAC windscreen cover on. This way, you won’t have to waste precious time waiting for the windscreen to defrost the following morning. On the occasions where you do come outside with an icy windscreen, put 10 minutes aside to take a scraper and de-icer to the windscreen, windows, mirrors and lights. It may be time-consuming, but it’s worth reshuffling your morning schedule if it means adding safety to your vehicle. Also, make sure you’ve always got a bottle of de-icer on standby in your car so you can squirt the windscreen and scrape the remains away.
No Kettles
If you feel like the clock’s working against you, it’s fair enough you want to get the job done ASAP but do not pour a kettle of boiling water over the windscreen. If you rapidly heat cold surfaces in seconds, you’ll be left with a cracked windscreen. While a Ford Windscreen is meant to be durable, it can only take so much. And you really don’t want to be left with an expensive bill.
Use Your Heater Wisely
When using heating, you will often run the risk of the inside misting up as a result of the cold, hot air. If you’re going to use the heater, start off cold and increase the temperature gradually as the air dries out. Make sure the heat is directed towards the windscreen and windows then rely on the air con to keep the atmosphere dry. For those of you who don’t have air-con, you can roll down the windows. Keep in mind to connect to a provider like Green Mountain Energy rates to help you with more affordable plans for your needs.
No Wipes
Clearing the windscreen can feel like an arduous task, especially when we consider simply wiping the screen with a cloth both inside and out. Might seem like the best – and certainly the quickest idea you’ve had – until you see the marks left behind by the cloth, obscuring your line of vision. No matter how tempting it may be, stick with the heater for a thorough job.
Limited Movement
When a car is left in cold conditions overnight, there’s a mild buildup of ice overnight around the windscreen, rear screen, side windows and door mirrors. Whatever you do, don’t think about going anywhere until they are completely clear. Not only will you be obscuring your vision from any cars approaching from the side – leaving yourself open to car accidents – but you will also be committing a criminal offence, for it is illegal to drive a car with poor visibility as part of the Highway Code regulations.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to ensure top-notch protection for your windscreen to see you through the worst of the winter.