Autoglym
the leading provider of car care products advises drivers against the use of improper de-icing methods
A survey revealed that nearly a third of motorists resort to using a variety of household objects to clear ice from car windscreens. Autoglym have now releases a Winter Care Kit.
The new research conducted by Autoglym suggests that almost a quarter (23.9 per cent) of motorists have used their credit card to clear frost from their car in freezing conditions, while 29 per cent have resorted to using their hands as makeshift ice-scrapers.
More than 15 per cent of those surveyed have also used boiling water to melt ice from their windscreen, putting it at risk of cracking or shattering due to the extreme change in temperature.
Motorists also said they had used books, newspapers, CD cases, clothes and kitchen towels instead of using an ice scraper.
By failing to use a proper de-icer and ice scraper, motorists can cause permanent damage to their cars – notably by scratching glass or by damaging the surrounding rubber seals. Driving with ice still obscuring parts of the windscreen and side windows can also lead to a collision with other vehicles or pedestrians, and is an offence punishable by a fine and points on the driver’s licence.
“This survey highlights how ill-prepared some motorists are to tackle the icy conditions that will arrive in the months ahead,” explains Autoglym’s CEO, Paul Caller. “When it comes to de-icing, many people are improvising with a truly bizarre selection of items, causing potential damage to their vehicles, as well as risking a potential collision given the likelihood that ice deposits won’t have been properly cleared.
“Using anything other than a good quality de-icing solution and ice scraper will not effectively remove the ice, and makeshift substitutes can damage the car’s glass and rubber seals. Instead of attacking the windscreen with boiling water and a credit card, I’d urge motorists to prepare themselves with the correct equipment for the job.”
Autoglym Winter Gift Box – Winter Care Kit
(RRP £15.99) or £14.95 on Amazon with Free UK Delivery. Making a great drivers present the kit includes all the essential items that motorists will need to help maximise visibility in sub-zero conditions this year, including Autoglym De-icer, Ultimate Screenwash, Hi-Tech Interior Microfibre Cloth and a quality ice scraper.
Autoglym’s winter car care advice
- Carry a proper ice scraper and a full strength de-icer to clear ice from windscreen, mirrors, wipers and locks
- Don’t drive until your front and rear screen and side windows are clear of ice – it is illegal to drive with poor visibility
- Increase the concentration of your car’s screenwash to prevent the solution from freezing as temperatures drop
- Clean your car periodically during the winter months to prevent a build-up of dirt. Use Autoglym Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner – washing-up liquid and poor-quality car wash fluids can remove protective coatings. Be sure to dislodge mud and salt that can collect under wheel arches and cause corrosion
- Protect your car by using a premium-grade polish or wax, such as Autoglym Super Resin Polish or High Definition Wax
The survey was commissioned by Autoglym and questioned a sample of 1094 British motorists aged 16 and over. Survey results, sorted by age and gender, can be found below:
| Gender | Age | |||||||
| TOTAL | Male | Female | Under 24 |
25-34 | 35-44 | 45-54 | 55+ | |
| Hands | 29.1% | 32.1% | 26.8% | 36.8% | 31.7% | 29.6% | 30.8% | 26.5% |
| Credit card | 23.9% | 24.2% | 23.6% | 31.6% | 25.4% | 24.8% | 25.3% | 21.6% |
| Cooking utensil | 15.7% | 15.6% | 15.8% | 0% | 10.3% | 11.7% | 14.9% | 20.7% |
| Boiling water | 15.4% | 13.7% | 16.7% | 26.3% | 19.0% | 21.3% | 15.6% | 10.7% |
| Alcohol | 1.8% | 3.0% | 1.0% | 5.3% | 4.0% | 0.9% | 1.0% | 2.1% |
| Other | 8.3% | 9.2% | 7.7% | 5.3% | 4.0% | 10.0% | 5.5% | 10.7% |
| Never cleared frost from screen |
1.7% | 0.9% | 2.4% | 15.8% | 3.2% | 0.4% | 1.4% | 1.6% |
To see more Winter Car Kits on Drive.co.uk/wintercarkits
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