The bone-chilling Arctic conditions have battered the nation recently, resulting in roads closures, trains cancellations, flights axed and schools shut.
But for those that still have to get to their jobs, take the kids on the school run or run errands, de-frosting the car in the morning may come as a bit of a pain.
As Met Office forecasters have issued several yellow weather warnings for snow, ice and fog across Britain - which will last until Thursday 12pm - it is key that your vehicle is safe to transport you and others.
While motorists have been told to they should only drive if absolutely necessary, amid fears icy roads will cause accidents and long tailbacks, making sure that the car is safe to use is important.
This includes remove the snow or ice from the roof, bonnet, windows, side-view mirror and other areas.
Here are some simple tips that can make the process of de-icing your vehicle smoother, easier and faster:
Rubbing onion on the windscreen
While this may look bizarre as your neighbours watch on, onions actually have a similar effect to vinegar. And if you do not have an onion, then using a potato will work just as well.
This is because the sugar molecules from these vegetables will work to break down the frost and ice as soon as it touches the window.
Drivers should cut an onion or a potato in half and then rub it generously all over the windows and windscreen the night before and this should drive the frost away.
Alcohol
This tip may sound as equally strange as the previous tip, but it will do a great job.
Reportedly, the alcohol content in vodka makes it a great de-icer in minus temperatures - even if it drains the alcohol supply pre-Christmas.
But this does a really effective job, as it is important to remember that driving with limited vision during icy weather conditions is not only dangerous but can also land drivers with a £100 fine and three points on the licence.
With this in mind, it’s a good idea for motorists to familiarise themselves with these top tips and begin implementing them into their daily routine.
Fill a bag with warm water
This viral TikTok hack took the internet by storm - and makes for a super quick and efficient way to de-frost the car.
It should be noted that drivers should never pour boiling hot water onto the windscreen though, as they risk cracking it. While one in five of drivers admitted to doing this, even pouring lukewarm water can cause car windows to crack, especially if they are already chipped.
Instead, motorists should pour warm water into a ziplock bag and simply rub it over the windscreen and any other areas of the car that need to be unfrozen.
Heat up the car
Heating up the car should be the first step, and it can even make the car nice and toasty while you use another method to clear up the ice or snow.
However, whatever motorists do, they should not be tempted to use their wipers on the icy windscreen as that will not de-ice the car in any way, and is more likely to damage it.
Instead, motorists should turn their front and rear de-mister on max and the ice will start to melt from the heat.
Once that is done, drivers can then wipe away any excess water with their wipers, and return the fan to normal.
It is really important to remember that drivers should not be tempted to go inside the house to stay warm as it’s not unusual for thieves to steal defrosting vehicles from driveways.
Use a proper car ice scraper
If drivers are in more of a rush, they can start to scrape the ice as the car warms up.
However, motorists should not be tempted to cut corners and grab the nearest flat object, like a bank card - as it may snap.
Attempting to scrape bits of ice off with anything other than a car ice scraper could just result in a scratched windscreen.
Use a deicing fluid
Try to keep a bottle of de-icing fluid either in the car or in the house to speed up the ice scraping process.
It can be bought at most supermarkets and petrol stations.
While there are many homemade alternatives that are just as effective at removing ice, nothing quite beats the ease of the real thing.
