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Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Kayla Walsh & Nicole Goodwin

Mistake car owners make when trying to de-ice windscreen according to expert

With temperatures plunging this weekend many people would have had to de-ice their car.

And with the Met Office forecasting another "very cold night with widespread sharp frost" it's likely that many people will have to defrost their windscreen before heading out to work on Monday morning, adding extra time to their commute.

There have been a number of 'hacks' circulating on social media recently to help people reduce the time is takes to clear ice and frost from their cars, including pouring warm water on your windscreen or using a plastic bag filled with warm water to melt away any ice.

Read more: Mrs Hinch fan shares unusual method to banish mould for good using mouthwash

It's essential that you do not use boiling water on your car as you could crack the glass. In extremely cold weather, boiling water can actually freeze faster than colder water, so you could find yourself with a frozen windscreen again in no time, RSVP Live reports.

Another way to defrost your car is by simply putting on your car's heating and waiting for the car to warm up. But one button in cars can tend to confuse drivers - the "air recirculation" button.

The button shows an arrow going into a circle, and it essentially cuts off outside air from being brought into the car, instead recirculating air inside the vehicle.

The air recirculation button is great on hot summer days, because it helps your car get cooler faster. It's also handy for preventing bad smells like silage and pollution from entering your car. However, it should be turned off in winter.

Eden Tyres told RSVP Live: "As a general rule, when it’s cold outside make sure the recirculation button is switched off!

"The air-recirculation button is best to use alongside your AC during warm weather. During cooler weather it doesn't have many benefits and can even be detrimental.

"Some drivers think it makes sense to not have 'all that cold air coming in' if they are using heaters in winter. However it's best to have your air recirculation turned off.

"The main downside of the air-recirculation button is that it traps humidity inside the car, which results in misted windscreens, especially when the air is cold outside and in wet weather. If your vehicle is fully loaded with passengers, it can also cause it to be stuffy and may make you drowsy."

Not all cars have air recirculation buttons - newer cars are often equipped with sensors that monitor the cabin air and moisture levels, adjusting the air circulation automatically.

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