Winter driving hacks you should (and shouldn't) try
Get the details on driving hacks for an easier life this winter
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As temperatures drop, drivers are looking for quick fixes to keep their cars running smoothly through winter.
But while some hacks genuinely make life easier, others risk landing you with shattered windscreens, hefty repair bills, or penalty points.
From TikTok tricks to old-school myths, we've rounded up the most popular winter ‘car hacks’ and reveals which ones to trust, and which to leave on social media.
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The hacks to avoid
Pouring warm or boiling water on frozen windscreens
It's one of the most popular winter hacks online, but also one of the riskiest moves you can make on a cold morning. The extreme temperature shift can shatter your windscreen in seconds, while any water that doesn't evaporate will turn to ice across your wipers and bonnet if temperatures are still below zero.
Ben Welham, our motoring expert, warns: "A proper de-icer spray or ice scraper is far cheaper than replacing a windscreen. The thermal shock from boiling water can shatter glass in an instant, leaving you with expensive repairs and major disruption to your day."
Rubbing potatoes on windscreens to prevent frost
It’s best to steer clear of this viral myth that keeps resurfacing. While the starch might delay ice slightly, it leaves a sticky film that smears easily and can potentially damage your wiper blades.
"This TikTok trend might look clever, but you'll end up with a gunky mess across your windscreen that's harder to shift than the frost itself," says Ben.
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The hacks worth trying
Using hand sanitiser to unfreeze locks
This pocket-sized solution can genuinely help thaw frozen locks due to its high alcohol content, which melts ice. It's a clever emergency fix if you don't have de-icer spray to hand.
"This hack works surprisingly well," says Ben. "The alcohol content of hand sanitiser does the job nicely, so it’s a brilliant backup if you run out of de-icer on a cold day.”
Covering mirrors with socks overnight
This one might look ridiculous, but it works. Pulling old socks or small plastic bags over wing mirrors stops frost forming overnight and saves time scraping in the morning (assuming your car doesn't have heated wing mirrors).
"Using your socks may get some strange looks from your neighbours, but it's effective," says Ben. "A couple of old socks can shave off valuable minutes on frosty mornings. Just remember to whip them off before starting your journey.”
Filling a sock with cat litter to stop foggy windows
This hack is a surprisingly effective one to call on. Silica-based cat litter draws moisture from the air, keeping your windows fog-free from the inside.
“If you happen to be a cat owner and have some clean litter to hand, this is a quick DIY fix,” says Ben. “Just don’t forget to secure the sock properly to prevent spillage across your car seats while you drive.”
Know the rules: stay in your car while it warms up
Many cars, especially older ones, need the engine to run for a few minutes to help them warm up before setting off. However, you need to stay in the car as it warms up with the engine on.
Under Highway Code Rule 123, you must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running.
"It's important that drivers take the time to allow icy or fogged up windows to defrost,” says Ben.
“It might be tempting to go back into your house for a few minutes as your car heats up, but this could cost you. As well as landing you a fine, you could put your used Ford or Audi car security at risk.”
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Modern car tech beats the cold without the need for tricks
Many modern cars make it easier than ever to face frosty mornings safely and comfortably. With built-in cold-weather features like heated steering wheels, automatic defogging sensors and windscreen heaters becoming more common, many of these winter ‘car hacks’ are unnecessary.
Many drivers can now preheat their cars from the comfort of the house thanks to smartphone apps that ultra-modern cars come with - particularly EVs.
This means you can warm the cabin and clear frost from windows while plugged in to a home charger - therefore preserving more of your car's battery for the road.
"Not every viral hack you hear about is worth risking," says Ben.
"Modern car tech has quietly replaced many of the old tricks, but if you're using traditional methods, stick to the simple, safe ways to get ready for winter without damaging your car or breaking the law.”
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