Essential £1.99 item to keep in your car this winter to stop ice from building – without wasting any petrol
THIS £1.99 item will stop ice from building inside your vehicle without wasting any petrol.
As the UK faces biting temperatures, motorists are noticing ice not only on their windscreens – but inside their cars too.
But one practical £1.99 solution could save this from happening this Christmas.
Moisture in cars from various items like damp clothing or wet shoes can end up freezing on interior surfaces when the temperatures plummet.
And internal ice can cause various issues, including obstructing visibility that poses a massive safety risk.
Silica gel packets, commonly found inside packaging to absorb moisture, work a treat, according to BigWantsYourCar.com’s Darren Miller.
He said: “Putting silica gel packets on the dashboard and near windows helps absorb excess moisture, preventing condensation and ice formation inside the car.”
The packets are super cheap, priced at just under £2 usually.
Additional preventative measures to do to reduce interior moisture include removing damp items, ventilating the vehicle, and lower heat use.
Darren added: “Avoid leaving wet clothing or footwear in the car, as they can increase humidity.
“Occasionally opening windows allows fresh air to circulate, reducing moisture levels.
“While heaters provide warmth, they can also trap humid air inside – use them and check for proper ventilation.”
As previously noted, driving with poor visibility through obstruction due to interior ice is both incredible dangerous and illegal.
So by incorporating the silica gel packs along with other preventative measures, drivers can maintain clear visibility and drive safely during winter months.
Darren said: “Clear windows are needed for safe driving and to avoid potential fines or penalties.”
It comes as savvy experts at Ski Famille have noted an easy two-step parking method to avoid the pesky de-icing process.
Best of all, it’s a cheap fix and won’t force you to use up extra fuel, especially as pump prices rocket.
“Park smart. If possible, park your car facing east,” the weather expert warned.
“If possible, park your car facing east. The morning sun can help melt frost naturally.
“In extreme cold, consider parking near a wall or building for extra shelter from the wind.”
Four more simple tips for de-icing your frozen motor
1. Cover Your Windscreen Overnight
Place a towel, tarp, or even a large piece of cardboard over your windscreen the night before. This prevents frost from forming and saves you precious time in the morning.
Don’t have a cover? Use an old shower curtain or a reusable car frost shield.
2. Defrost with Household Items
Mix three parts vinegar with one part water and spray it on your windscreen to melt light frost.
Alternatively, rub a halved onion or potato on your windscreen the night before—these create a layer that reduces frost buildup.
3. Prevent Frozen Doors
To stop doors from freezing shut, spray a little cooking oil or silicone spray on the door seals and wipe it with a cloth. This creates a protective barrier against ice.
If the door is already frozen, push gently on the door frame to crack the ice before trying to pull it open.
4. Lift Your Wipers
Prevent your wiper blades from sticking to the glass by lifting them off the windscreen overnight.
If they’re already frozen, pour lukewarm (not hot) water over them and gently lift.