Winter is here, and it’s brutally cold. As temperatures across the UK dip below freezing, the struggle to keep your car frost-free in the morning becomes all too real. Waking up early just to spend extra time scraping ice off your windscreen isn’t exactly the ideal start to your day. But what if we told you there’s a simple hack that could save you time and effort?

With forecasts predicting temperatures as low as -10°C (or even lower in some places), this quick and effective trick could be a game-changer for those frosty mornings. Let’s explore how you can keep your windscreen frost-free and make your mornings a little less miserable.

Why Windscreens Freeze and Why It’s Such a Hassle

Ever wondered why frost loves clinging to your car’s windscreen? When temperatures drop overnight, moisture in the air condenses on cold surfaces like glass. If the temperature dips below freezing, that moisture turns to frost.

While frost might look pretty, it’s far from convenient. Scraping away ice wastes precious time when all you want is to stay warm and get moving. Not to mention, using makeshift methods like a boiling kettle can damage your windscreen and even pose safety risks. That’s why a simple, practical solution is essential.

The Towel Trick: Your Windscreen’s New Best Friend

Forget about fancy gadgets or risky methods like pouring hot water. The humble towel is here to save the day. This hack, shared widely on social media and endorsed by winter driving experts, is as simple as it gets:

1. Grab an Old Towel: Before you go to bed, take a dry towel you’re not too attached to—this might just become its winter job.
2. Cover Your Windscreen: Lay the towel over the glass, making sure it covers as much surface area as possible. Use your car’s wipers or doors to secure it in place so it doesn’t blow away overnight.
3. Remove the Towel in the Morning: When you’re ready to drive, lift the towel off. Voilà! Your windscreen should be clear or at least much easier to de-ice.

The science behind this is simple. The towel acts as a protective barrier, stopping moisture from settling directly on the glass. No moisture equals no frost.

Does It Work in Extreme Cold?

Now, you might be wondering, “What about when it’s absolutely freezing, like -10°C or below?” According to experts, including advice from the AA, the towel hack works best in moderate freezing conditions. In extreme cold, it might not entirely prevent frost but will significantly reduce the amount that forms.

If your towel freezes solid, don’t panic. You can simply smack it against a surface to break up the ice, making cleanup easier.

Other Tips to Speed Up De-Icing

Sometimes, even the towel trick might not be enough, especially when temperatures plummet to -15°C in areas with lying snow, as the Met Office warns. Here are a few other tips to help speed up the process:

• Turn On Your Car’s Heaters: Start your engine and let the car warm up. Turn on the heaters and direct them toward the windscreen. Combining heat and airflow will help melt frost quickly.
• Use a De-Icer Spray: Keep a bottle of de-icer handy for those particularly stubborn spots. Spray it on the frosted areas and let it work its magic.
• Invest in a Windscreen Cover: If you want an upgrade from the towel hack, consider buying a specialized windscreen cover. These are designed to trap heat and prevent frost from forming.

Why You Should Avoid Hot Water

One popular but risky method you may have heard of is pouring hot water on your windscreen to melt the frost. While it might seem like a quick fix, this approach can cause your windscreen to crack due to thermal shock. Sudden temperature changes are not your car’s friend, especially during freezing weather.

Stick to safer methods like the towel trick or de-icer spray to avoid expensive repairs and ensure you don’t damage your car in the process.

The Towel Hack Is Reddit-Approved

This hack has gone viral on platforms like Reddit, with users sharing their success stories. One Redditor called it the “best way to prevent frost,” while another mentioned how smashing the frozen towel in the morning helped them quickly clean up any lingering ice.

The community is all about practical solutions, and the towel trick has become a favorite for its simplicity and effectiveness. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose an old towel you no longer use!

Staying Prepared for Freezing Weather

With severe weather warnings in place and temperatures expected to hit record lows, preparation is key. Here are some additional tips to help you stay ahead of the frost:

• Check Weather Forecasts: Monitor daily forecasts to know when frost is likely.
• Keep a Winter Kit in Your Car: Stock your vehicle with essentials like an ice scraper, de-icer, gloves, and a blanket.
• Park Strategically: If possible, park your car in a garage or under shelter to reduce exposure to frost.

Conclusion: Save Time and Stay Warm with This Simple Hack

The towel trick is a straightforward, cost-effective way to stop your windscreen from freezing overnight. While it may not work perfectly in extreme conditions, it’s a solid solution for most frosty mornings. Combine it with other de-icing methods, and you’ll spend less time scraping ice and more time staying warm.

Winter mornings don’t have to be a struggle. With a little preparation and this clever hack, you can make cold-weather driving a bit less painful. So, grab an old towel, stay ahead of the frost, and start your day on the right note—even when it’s freezing outside!