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Motorists Getting into Hot Water, but it Could Be Their Own Fault! 

(Advice from Britain but relevant in all countries subject to sub-zero winters.)

19 November, 2004

Motorists are being warned to avoid using hot water to defrost their frozen windscreens or could risk a bill from £200* for a replacement windscreen.

Research by car care people, Comma, shows that 1 in 20 of us have admitted to using this, albeit quick, but potentially costly, way of clearing a windscreen from the previous nights frost.

Hot water will instantly dissolve the ice, however the sudden change in temperature against the chilled glass can cause it to crack leaving you with an unwanted bill for a new screen. 

The most frequently used methods to deice cars vary according to sex. Men claim to placing newspaper over the screen the night before and using salt water and glass cleaner. 

Women were 10% more likely than men (46% vs. 36%) to opt for using their flexible friend, the credit card, potentially damaging it before they have chance to do the Christmas shopping!

Whilst scraping ice off the car is still the most common method to clear the windscreen and windows, chemical de-icers have become a popular method for many motorists.

"90% of Comma deicer sales are from October to January. In more recent years, we've noticed a real increase in the number of motorists who now opt for a chemical deicer such as Comma X-Stream, as well as a scraper and other traditional methods," commented Comma spokesperson Mike Bewsey.

However, not all methods are that conventional, with the following more imaginative ways to remove ice: 

Top 5 unusual Items used:

* Map/book left in car
* CD Case
* Palm of hand
* Kitchen knife
* Matches/lighter

"It's always interesting to hear the slightly less conventional ways motorists clear their vehicles during these winter mornings," Mike continued. "However, they must remember by not fully clearing their vehicles of ice, they could be breaking the law."

Chemical deicers not only melt ice but also reduce the chance of re-freezing.

For further information and hints and tips on how best to look after your vehicle during the winter months, visit www.commaoil.com 

Source: Comma

*U.K. figures, obtained as an average from Auto Glass. Price correct as at 6 October 2004