WINTER is well and truly here as parts of the UK experience sub zero temperatures this week.
As the deep freeze sweeps the nation, Brits are waking up to the unwelcome sight of a frosted over windscreen.
Experts have compiled a shortlist of ways to de-ice their vehicles[/caption]
Many a motorist has spent miserable, freezing mornings hacking away with an ice scraper or waiting an eternity for the heater to clear even the tiniest gap.
Fortunately, savvy experts at Ski Famille have noted an easy two-step parking method to avoid the pesky de-icing process.
Best of all, it’s a cheap fix and won’t force you to use up extra fuel, especially as pump prices rocket.
“Park smart. If possible, park your car facing east,” the weather expert warned.
“If possible, park your car facing east. The morning sun can help melt frost naturally.
“In extreme cold, consider parking near a wall or building for extra shelter from the wind.”
A spokesperson from Ski Famille added: “Dealing with frozen cars is a daily reality on ski holidays, so we’ve learned a few tricks.
“Simple things like covering your windscreen and preparing door seals can make a big difference.
“The goal is to prevent the freeze before it happens—preparation is everything!”
HERE WE SNOW
It comes after news that Storm Bert is set to bring up to 15 inches of snow, 70mph winds and downpours this weekend as an amber warning is issued.
As arctic conditions persist across the UK, wintry weather will continue to batter the country as the storm arrives, said the Met Office.
An amber warning has this afternoon been put in place across part of Scotland for 10 hours on Saturday, with power cuts a possibility and injuries “likely” on icy surfaces.
While yellow warnings, including for rain, are in place from today until Sunday night.
The Met Office said in a full statement: “Storm Bert has been named and is forecast to bring heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK through the weekend.”
Four more simple tips for de-icing your frozen motor
1. Cover Your Windscreen Overnight
Place a towel, tarp, or even a large piece of cardboard over your windscreen the night before. This prevents frost from forming and saves you precious time in the morning.
Don’t have a cover? Use an old shower curtain or a reusable car frost shield.
2. Defrost with Household Items
Mix three parts vinegar with one part water and spray it on your windscreen to melt light frost.
Alternatively, rub a halved onion or potato on your windscreen the night before—these create a layer that reduces frost buildup.
3. Prevent Frozen Doors
To stop doors from freezing shut, spray a little cooking oil or silicone spray on the door seals and wipe it with a cloth. This creates a protective barrier against ice.
If the door is already frozen, push gently on the door frame to crack the ice before trying to pull it open.
4. Lift Your Wipers
Prevent your wiper blades from sticking to the glass by lifting them off the windscreen overnight.
If they’re already frozen, pour lukewarm (not hot) water over them and gently lift.
The second named storm of the season will gradually descend onto the UK tomorrow before moving eastwards.
On Saturday, Storm Bert will bring heavy snow, wind gusts of 60-70mph in some areas and heavy rain in western parts of the country.
It follows days of sub-zero temperatures that saw schools shut their doors and commuters facing travel chaos on the roads and rail.
Bone-chilling temperatures and icy conditions led to warnings vehicles could be stranded, power cuts may occur and rural areas could be cut off.
The yellow warnings mean frequent snow showers, possible hail and icy conditions are expected to be in force.
The warnings cover much of north and west Scotland until midday, with the Met Office warning of difficult travelling conditions.
Between 2cm and 5cm (up to 2inches) of snow is expected widely and it could reach 10cm in some parts of the north-west mainland, the Met Office warned.
