Drivers told to ditch free method to de-ice car windscreens for valid reason

Defrosting windscreens: How to remove ice from your car

Drivers have been urged to never follow a social media hack for clearing ice off a car windscreen as temperatures drop across the UK.

Several videos have shown influencers using their credit or debit cards in a desperate bid to clear frost and ice cover off a windscreen.

However, experts at Spencer Flint have urged drivers to stop using this method in a fresh warning ahead of winter.

Debit cards may not be able to properly clear windscreens which could result in motorists breaking a simple driving law.

Instead, the specialists have urged road users to always use a proper de-icer tool whenever they can.

READ MORE ‘I’m a car expert – drivers should never use water to de-ice their car’

Spencer Flint said: “Okay – hands up, who has cleared ice and snow with a credit card?

“We have ALL been there, it’s the most annoying thing; freezing hands, kids kicking off, dog going wild? De-icer and an ice scraper are cheap, and simple and will save you time and numb fingers.

“Just invest – trust us, it’s worth it. (It’s also an offence to drive with your windscreen, windows or back window covered in ice or snow and could result in three points and £100 fine).”

According to the RAC, simply removing ice from the driver’s side of the windscreen is not enough.

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The rules state road users must de-ice the entire area so they have a full view of the road ahead.

Other motoring experts have also been quick to warn motorists they should never use a card whenever possible.

Sam Sheehan, an expert at cinch warned it could even lead to drastic consequences with windscreens likely to be damaged.

He explained: “Using a CD or credit card to clear your windscreen could scratch the surface or damage the seals around your windows.”

Meanwhile, Ed Colley, head of marketing at AutoGlass stressed glass damage could even cause drivers to fail their annual MOT test.

He commented: “As tempting as it may be to reach for a random flat surface, such as credit card, lunchbox, or school folder, it’s also opening you up to the risk of small scratches that can jeopardise the structural integrity of the glass and could cause you to fail your MOT.

“Instead, we’d urge drivers to reach for the humble scraper, or simple de-icing spray, which are guaranteed to remove frost and snow without risking costly damage to the vehicle.”

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