12p food hack will stop your windscreen from freezing this winter

Motorists are set to face frosty challenges as the Met Office forecasts a dramatic drop in temperature over the next few days.

Across certain parts of the country, people in the UK could be grappling with thick layers of windscreen ice each morning, delaying their journeys to work and school.

While many of us will opt for the traditional ‘spray and scrape’ method using a chemical anti-freeze, there are alternative ways to remove ice or better still, prevent it from settling in the first place.

The experts at Windscreen Wipers have shared a rather unusual way to keep ice at bay, using a common place item that costs as little as 12p a pop.

According to their expertise, the humble onion could be everything you need to create a protective barrier on your windscreen.

Their advice is simple and cost-effective. They said: “This easy trick involves cutting an onion in half and rubbing the cut side across the exterior of your windscreen the night before a predicted freeze.

“The natural oils and compounds in onions create a protective barrier on the glass, preventing frost from forming overnight.”

This straightforward solution not only promises to prevent pesky frost but also saves those pennies, with a single onion costing 12p at Asda.

This nifty trick not only saves precious time on frosty mornings by eliminating the need for de-icing, but it also avoids the potential risk of damaging your windscreen through scraping.

Experts do recommend giving your windscreen a quick rinse post-onion application to wash away any residue that might attract grime or leave an unwanted scent, reports The Mirror.

The specialists have also shared other proven methods that include:

Spraying white vinegar

Spraying white vinegar is another genius hack – a staple in most kitchen cupboards, white vinegar can prevent ice from forming on your car’s glass surfaces. The experts said: “Simply combine 125 ml of white vinegar with 375 ml of water in a 500 ml spray bottle.

“Spray the mixture on your windshield the night before the temperature drops, or in the morning to help melt any existing ice. The acetic acid in the vinegar helps lower the freezing point of water, making it harder for ice to form.”

Cover the windscreen to protect the glass

If you don’t want to pay out for a dedicated windscreen cover then an old rubber bathmat or folded sheet can work just as well. Simply lay it over your windscreen and secure it with your wipers so that it doesn’t get blown away overnight.

The experts added: “You can also use carrier bags with rubber bands to protect your side mirrors from freezing. Come morning, simply remove and stash them away.”

Coating wiper blades in rubbing alcohol

It’s easy to be focused solely on the frost on your windscreen during the winter months, but don’t forget that wiper blades are also at risk of freezing.

To protect your wiper blades, coat them with rubbing alcohol. As rubbing alcohol also has a lower freezing point than water, this hack will also help prevent freezing to ensure that it remains flexible and functional the next morning.

The experts also recommend exercising caution when relying on online advice, noting that some popular tips such as pouring hot water on a frozen windscreen, can cause more harm than good.

Instead, proven strategies like applying frost-resistant sprays, covering the windscreen, rubbing an onion or parking in sheltered areas are safer options for protecting your vehicle from icy conditions.