Drivers warned to ditch de-icing DIY method that 'scratches' car windscreens

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Drivers have been issued a serious warning about a social media trend that involves getting rid of ice on car windscreens for free.As temperatures plunge, social media users have been posting videos of themselves scraping away ice from car windscreens using a credit or debit card.The Express reports that the motoring experts at Spencer Flint have urged drivers to not follow this advice, as it is not as effective as first thought.

Scraping ice off using a credit or debit card may not properly clear windscreens and could result in the driver breaking a simple law.The experts have urged people to use proper de-icer tools where they can instead, such as this £3.50 CarPlan de-icer spray or a £16 Lechin scraper and brush set from Amazon.

You can also grab a pack of three HG car windscreen de-icer sprays from B&Q for £18.Spencer Flint said: "Okay – hands up, who has cleared ice and snow with a credit card?"We have ALL been there, it’s the most annoying thing; freezing hands, kids kicking off, dog going wild?

De-icer and an ice scraper are cheap, and simple and will save you time and numb fingers."Just invest - trust us, it’s worth it. (It’s also an offence to drive with your windscreen, windows or back window covered in ice or snow and could result in three points and £100 fine)."And according to official advice from the RAC, getting rid of the ice and frost from the driver's side of the windscreen isn't enough to be legally safe on the roads.The law states that drivers must de-ice the entire windscreen, so they have a full view of the road ahead of them so they can stay safe while driving.Other motoring experts have chimed in on how using a card to de-ice a car isn't the best idea.