Waking up to a car completely encased in ice is a frustrating and all-too-common winter ritual for UK drivers. Not only does it eat into precious morning time, but failing to properly clear your windscreen before driving off can also risk a substantial fine.
The Four-Step Defrosting Method from a Former NASA Expert
Now, a handy trick shared by automotive specialists could make the process far quicker and easier. A West Midlands-based garage, known on TikTok as @eden_tyres_and_servicing, has revealed a four-step method attributed to a former NASA engineer designed to clear your view in minutes.
The first crucial step is to turn your car's heater on immediately at full blast, directing the airflow towards the windscreen. This begins the process of warming the glass from the inside.
Secondly, you should switch on the car's air conditioning. While this may seem counterintuitive in cold weather, the AC system helps to soak up moisture inside the vehicle, preventing windows from fogging up as the interior warms.
Venting Humidity for a Clear View
The third piece of advice is to turn off the car's air recirculation button. Keeping this on traps humidity inside the cabin, which condenses on the cold glass and hampers your efforts.
The fourth and final tip is to open all of your car windows ever so slightly. According to the guidance, this small gap allows the humid air inside to escape, exchanging it for the drier air outside, which accelerates the defrosting process and results in a clear windscreen.
Driver Reactions and Alternative Hacks
In the comments on the viral video, motorists were quick to share their own experiences and supplementary tips. One user suggested putting the sun visors down to "trap more of the hot air against the screen."
However, not everyone found the method universal. One commenter pointed out, "this doesn't work for their vehicle," hinting that effectiveness can vary depending on the car's model and heating system. Another TikToker voiced a common grievance, stating: "My car doesn't have these fancy buttons. I have to turn my car on and wait for the heating to heat up, which takes about 20-25 mins."
Others proposed more hands-on solutions. One advocated for the traditional ice scraper, noting it's a "proper Job" for £1.99 and takes about five minutes. Meanwhile, some risky alternative methods were debated, such as using slightly warm water from a bottle—a technique one person claimed to have used for 27 years without breaking a window, though it is widely advised against due to the risk of thermal shock shattering the glass.
A different individual recommended a safer water-based method: "A sealed plastic bag with water slightly above cold—not even tepid—rubs all over windows. Works every time." The overall response to the NASA-inspired hack was positive, with many users labelling them "great tips" and keen to try them out during the cold snap.
