As the temperatures begin to drop and frost forms in the mornings a lot of motorists will be getting a bit frustrated that they have to get up early or risk being late for work to clear their car of the ice build-up. It’s a familiar scene that happens every year where you see people on their driveways using all sorts of strange methods to clear the ice, some look like a good idea but in fact are unsafe and could damage your windscreen, which can be costly to replace.

One of these methods is by pouring hot water over the windows; it clears ice pretty quickly but the sudden temperature change can really test your windows and if you have any chips or cracks in the windscreen already then these can increase in size instantly. There’s also the chance that it’s so cold that the water you poured on will freeze again, possibly when you are driving which can become even more dangerous.

Safer ways to prevent ice build-up is to think ahead, if you hear there is going to be a lot of frost over night then consider covering your windscreen with newspaper or a towel. You can secure them by trapping them in your front doors to prevent the wind blowing them away. This can help stop the moisture and cold air getting to the windscreen and causing frost to form.

The tried and tested way of clearing ice though is using a good ice scraper and some elbow grease! You should still be careful not to scratch any paintwork when using an ice scraper and when buying one, don’t go for the cheapest one which is more likely to break when the ice is at its worst. The Lazy people amongst us will tend to rely solely on their heaters but a better option is to use an ice scraper, spray on some de-icer and heat the windscreen simultaneously where possible.

Many newer models of cars have heated front and rear windscreens which have tiny filaments contained within the glass that are small enough to not obscure your vision when driving. Cars with these windows can clear ice in a matter of minutes and are a worthy investment, especially if you live in an area prone to snow and ice.

There are other hazards for your windscreen when driving during winter such as the salt on the roads being flicked up and making it hard to see. Make sure your washer fluid is full and contains the recommended level of anti freeze solution so your water doesn’t freeze up on you. Your wiper blades will need care too in case they stick to your window - use a warm damp cloth to ease them away from the glass if stuck and wipe off any ice to make sure they’re free to move and wont scratch your glass.

If you’re looking for a quality new or used car and a car finance package to help you to afford it, you could consider car credit as a means to purchase your ideal car.