UK drivers are likely to start finding their windscreens encased in ice and fog as the winter months arrive, which is a nuisance for those wanting to get on the road promptly.
However, clearing your windscreen is not just good sense; it’s a legal must-do for anybody keen to drive with an unimpeded view.
The Record recently reported that motorists could be handed £1000 fines if their windscreen is not fully visible and it’s advised to start preparing now ahead of the Met Office’s double yellow snow and ice warning in Scotland this weekend.
Not to worry though as experts claim the one 80p vegetable could actually do the trick.
GAP insurance specialists at ALA Insurance have unearthed a quirky method to defrost your car involving a vegetable you’d typically find in your salad bowl.
Cucumbers are known for their numerous health benefits, but it turns out you can also use them to save time when defrosting your car in the morning, Wales Online reports. Currently, a single cucumber retails for 89p at Tesco, so it’s a tip that won’t break the bank.
ALA Insurance’s Callum Butler explains that cucumbers can create an invisible shield against moisture on your car glass. He said: “Cucumber contains natural oils which create a hydrophobic surface when rubbed on glass or mirrors.
“The water-repellent properties of cucumber help to stop your windshield from condensing and forming a fog.”
Join the Daily Record’s WhatsApp community hereand get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Cucumbers essentially act like a protective layer that fends off condensation during chilly conditions and could be procured for the modest sum of 80p from supermarkets such as Asda and Sainsbury’s.
Butler elaborates further on the ease of using this method: “Essentially, it’s like giving your windshield a protective film that discourages condensation during the colder months.”
To assist motorists, the insurance experts have also delivered a step-by-step guide on utilising cucumbers to demist a vehicle effectively.
Firstly, switch on your car’s defrost setting and direct the air towards the windscreen. This will initially dry the glass but it will cool down and condense again shortly after.
Next, activate the air conditioning to eliminate the moisture from inside the vehicle. If you can, try not to recirculate the air as this can increase the humidity inside the car.
A clean windshield is less likely to fog up and while using cloths to wipe foggy glass can leave streak marks, utilising a microfibre cloth on dry windows will keep them cleaner.
Lastly, slice off the end of a cucumber and lightly rub it over your windshield to minimise fog during those chilly mornings.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.