Is your windscreen covered in ice? A scraper is often the most effective tool for clearing your windscreen, but what if haven’t got a scraper to hand?
Is it Illegal To Drive With Ice on Your Windscreen?
Under Section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988, you must ensure you have a clear view of the road before you start driving. If you don’t take the time to de-ice your car, police might claim you’re driving without due care and attention. This can lead to up to 9 points on your licence, and a maximum penalty of £5,000.
Obviously, an iced-up windscreen is going to seriously reduce your visibility. This is why it’s important to de-ice and make sure you have a clear windscreen before you start your journey. It’s not just a safety measure, it’s the law!
Can I Use Boiling Water to Melt Ice on my Windscreen?
If you want to get ice off your windscreen, and you don’t have a scraper, do not use boiling water.
If your windscreen goes from very cold to very hot in a split second, it can lead to a process known as thermal shock, which can cause cracks to develop. Even if you don’t see any cracks immediately, thermal shock can weaken the glass, meaning that cracks may be more likely to form over time.
How To Get Ice Off Your Windshield Without a Scraper
(And Without Using Boiling Water)
- Stock Up On Window De-Icer. You can buy de-icing spray at any petrol station, supermarket or online. This is a special, concentrated formula that will quickly melt any ice on your windscreen, without then freezing itself.
- Warm Up Your Car. Turn on your car’s engine, switch the heating on, and activate any de-icing features. It may take a few minutes, but the ice will start to melt eventually. This is why it’s a good idea to give yourself a bit of extra time for journeys in the winter, so that you’ll have all the time you need to get your car ready for the road. Remember to never leave your car unattended with the engine running as this increases the chances of your car being stolen and it can invalidate your car insurance.
- Use an Ice Scraper. Keep an ice scraper in your car during the colder months so that you can scrape any ice clear from your windows and lights. If you don’t have one to hand you could use a credit card but we wouldn’t recommend this as your main go to method as you could damage your card.
- Prevent Ice From Building Up In The First Place. If you can’t park your car in a garage, you could get a car cover, and put it over your car whenever it’s not in use. This can protect your car from the elements, and prevent ice from building up on the windows overnight. These can start from under £20 depending on the size of your car.
Is Your Car Ready For Cold Snaps?
You’ll find many guides on our site to help you stay safe on the roads during cold snaps:
- How to quickly and safely demist your windscreen in rain and winter.
- How to get your car ready for winter.
- Essential winter driving tips.
- What to do when driving in icy or snowy conditions.
- What to do if your car won’t start on a cold day.
Car breakdowns can be more common during colder weather as cold temperatures can affect your car’s battery. Consider adding RAC Breakdown Cover as an optional extra when you buy your car insurance.
