Drivers warned over ‘cheap hacks’ used to de-ice windscreens as temperatures plummet… they could cost you hundreds
DRIVERS have been warned over "cheap hacks" used to de-ice windscreens as temperatures plummet - as they could cost you hundreds.
Many rushed drivers are tempted to do whatever gets them out of the cold and on the road quickest.
But Autoglass expert Ed Colley said that some popular hacks could actually leave you facing huge repair costs.
One popular trick is to pour boiling water over the frosted windscreen.
Ed said: "The sudden change in temperature can cause the glass to rapidly expand.
"It could result in small chips in the windscreen growing into larger and much more damaging cracks."
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Another cheap hack is scraping away the unwanted ice with a credit card.
But motoring whizz Ed warned the card could scratch the windscreen itself.
Finally, some drivers opt for the low-effort method of turning their parked motor's engine on.
Ed said: "This is not environmentally friendly - and leaving your car on and unattended increases the risk of possible theft."
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In December mum Kasia Wasilewska told how a brazen thief pushed her son out of the way and sped off after she left her Nissan Juke's engine running.
Ed said that the best thing to do is get a proper windscreen scraper and leave it in your car.
He added: "You use it when needed to clear frost quickly and safely.
"Applying a rain repellent to your windscreen before a wintry snap can also ensure less ice sits on your windscreen overnight.
"This will make de-icing much easier and quicker."
Drivers have gone years without knowing that you can unlock your car's "hidden menu" with a dashboard push and hold trick.