Drivers hail 24p kitchen staple that leaves windscreens frost free saving vital seconds on busy mornings

WITH temperatures predicted to plummet across the north and midlands today, it's important to be ready for the roads.

If the idea of standing in the cold armed with a scraper to tackle iced-up car windows sends a shiver down your spine, we've got a handy alternative.

As bizarre as it might sound, a humble potato could be the answer to quicker mornings - and costs just 24p.

At a fraction of the cost of a can of de-icer, rubbing a slice of raw potato over the windscreen will help to stop it freezing over.

The effective and natural method forms a thin layer of starch over the glass, which prevents moisture build-up.

"The starch forms a protective film that stops moisture from sticking to the surface, so frost won't settle as easily overnight, and condensation will be less likely to form during rainy or humid weather," explains MotorMatch.

"The starch creates a hydrophobic effect, meaning water droplets won't cling to the glass.

"This can improve visibility during heavy rainfall, as the water runs off the windscreen in a smooth sheet rather than scattering into distracting droplets."

As well as being cost-friendly, it's also better for the environment as many sprays are full of chemicals.

If you don't have a potato in the kitchen, don't panic - an onion also works just as well.

By chopping an onion in half and rubbing it across the windows of the car, a coating will supposedly prevent ice from sticking to the screen.

LeaseCar.uk's Tim Alcock told the : "Using an ice scraper to clear the vehicle can have you standing for 15 to 20 minutes which can be a nightmare when you’re on a tight schedule.

“That’s why we suggest using typical household products, like lemons, salt and onions which can help defrost windscreens.”

Snow has been forecast for the north and Midlands of England tomorrow, expected to fall at 7pm until 10am on Tuesday.

Brits in these areas could face potential disruptions to their commute, with the Met Office urging people to plan ahead.

From Monday, the Met Office has predicted that 15 to 20cm of snow could settle in areas over 300 meters, with a chance it could settle at lower levels within the warning area, potentially causing major disruption.

Craig Snell, Senior Operational Meteorologist at Met Office, said: "Across Northern England and Southern Scotland it will turn increasingly to snow chiefly across the high levels but it may well turn to snow at lower levels from time to time.

"We do have a warning force from Monday into parts of Tuesday too so if you do have travel plans here do keep alert to the forecast in the coming days."

Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, added: "We have issued yellow warnings for snow and ice as cold weather moves in from the north.

"This brings snow showers and some ice to parts of Scotland on Sunday night, and then the potential for a spell of snow to lead to disruption to some transport routes across a central swathe of the UK on Tuesday morning.

"Gusty winds in the east also remain a potential hazard. Updates to the warnings for wintry hazards are likely so it is important to stay up to date with the latest forecast."