It’s starting to get pretty cold in the UK, meaning drivers will soon be fighting the elements to get control of their car.

But haphazardly hacking away at the frost on your windscreen with your credit card, or even pouring just-boiled water on it is not the way to go about getting on the road.

Both of the above can make matters even worse and scratch, or even crack, the glass on your car.

And if you’re thinking about leaving the ice where it is while you drive, or not removing all of it, think again. Not only does ice obstruct your vision while driving, but it can also affect other passengers.

How to de-ice your car if you don’t have spray

Luckily there’s a simple tip to de-ice your windscreen, and it doesn’t involve any expensive sprays that only last for a couple of uses.

All you need is table salt, water and an old towel.

Simply mix up a saltwater solution, dunk the towel in it and leave it on the windscreen overnight.

Alternatively, in the morning you can mix up a saltwater solution and wipe or spray it on the glass using a plant sprayer.

Avoid the metal on your car, though, as salt is corrosive.

The science bit is that salt water freezes at a lower temperature than normal water, so will melt it away.

What’s wrong with those other methods to de-ice?

Using a credit card, CD case or something metal like a scraper – This can scratch the glass

Pouring hot water over it – The temperature difference can cause the glass to crack

Using a portable hairdryer or other heated appliance – This is extremely dangerous as it could lead to electrocution

Sprays, scrapers and covers – Fine if you can afford them, but a simple old blanket over your windscreen is as good as a frost guard, and a 99p plastic scrape combined with the homemade spray mentioned, or a cheap spray, should work just as well.

If you’ve got no salt in, you can mix surgical spirit or indeed any booze with water (two parts alcohol, one part water) instead, as both also freeze at low temperatures.

If you’ve got no salt or booze in, mix three parts white vinegar with one part water and spray that onto glass the night before as a preventative or in the morning.

There are other important factors you need to consider to ensure that you drive safely during snowy or foggy weather.

This includes making sure that you drive slower, particularly around corners, as well as ensuring that the tread on your tires is above the minimum.

Here’s what the AA’s got to say about de-icing your car

Get up at least 10 minutes early to give you time to prepare the car.

Don’t drive off like a tank-commander, with a tiny hole cleared in the windscreen.

Clear all windows using a scraper and de-icer.

Use a cigarette lighter to warm a key for a frozen lock. Don’t breathe on the lock, as the moisture will condense and freeze.

Plan routes to favour major roads which are more likely to have been cleared and gritted.

Put safety before punctuality when the bad weather closes in. Allow extra time for winter journeys but be prepared for the inevitability of being late for work due to unexpected delay.

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