How to prepare your car for winter

When you're faced with a frozen windscreen on a cold winter morning, getting it clear quickly and safely is essential. Here's the fastest, safest sequence:

1. Start the engine and set the heater/defroster to full, aimed at the windscreen. Turn on any heated screen or heated mirrors you have.
2. Spray de-icer liberally across the glass.
3. Scrape immediately, working outward from the areas that clear first.
4. Leave the wipers alone until the ice has fully melted because forcing frozen blades can strain the motor and damage the blades.
5. Clear every window, mirror and light, not just the windscreen, before you set off.

This combination of heat and physical scraping will get you on the road as quickly as possible, without risking damage to your car or a fine for poor visibility.

Turn on your engine and immediately set the heater to the windscreen setting. Press the front demister button (usually shown as a windscreen symbol with wavy lines) and set the fan speed to maximum to push warm, dry air across the glass. If your car has air conditioning, switch it on too as it dehumidifies the air and clears condensation faster than heat alone.

Direct all the airflow to the windscreen rather than splitting it between the footwell and dashboard vents. This concentrates the warm air where you need it most. If you've got a rear demister, turn that on at the same time to clear the back window. The combination of heat and dehumidified air will start melting frost from the inside out, making the exterior ice easier to remove.

Whilst the defroster warms the glass, use a plastic ice scraper on the exterior to tackle thick frost and ice. Scrape in one direction only – downwards or across – rather than back and forth, as this reduces the risk of scratching the glass. Start from the top and work your way down.

A good scraper makes all the difference, so keep a sturdy one in your car throughout winter. Never use metal tools or credit cards, as these can damage the glass. Working the scraper and defroster together is the fastest way to clear your windscreen – the warm air softens the ice whilst you physically remove it.

Before you switch your wipers on, lift them by hand to check the blades aren't frozen to the glass. Frozen wipers can strain or burn out the wiper motor and tear the blades, so wait until the ice has properly melted before using them.

Getting rid of ice on your windscreen doesn't have to be a chore if you know the right techniques. Whether you've got a can of de-icer spray handy or need to work with what you've got, here's how to get your windscreen clear and safe for driving.

De-icer spray is one of the quickest ways to shift stubborn ice on a cold morning. Here's how to use it effectively:

• Spray the de-icer evenly across your windscreen and windows, making sure to cover all icy patches.
• Wait a moment for the ice to soften. The spray works fast, so you won't be waiting long.
• Use a plastic scraper to gently wipe or scrape away the softened ice. Work from top to bottom to avoid streaks.
• Clear all windows and mirrors, not just the windscreen, so you've got full visibility before you set off.

De-icer spray is widely available at petrol stations and supermarkets, so it's easy to grab a can. Keep one in your car during winter as it'll save you time and effort on those frosty mornings.

If you've run out of de-icer or don't have any to hand, there are other methods you can try:

• Try a plastic scraper or even a bank card in a pinch to carefully remove ice. Work slowly to avoid scratching the glass.
• Make a homemade solution by mixing two parts isopropyl alcohol with one part water in a spray bottle. This works similarly to shop-bought de-icer.

Whatever method you use, make sure you've fully cleared your windscreen, mirrors and lights before driving off.

Make time each morning to properly defrost your car. Being able to see clearly out of your car windscreen and into all your mirrors is a legal requirement. So even though it's tempting to just do your windscreen if you're in a rush, driving with an obstructed view can result in a fixed penalty notice, and leaving your engine running unattended on a public road to defrost it can also carry a separate fine. Plus, not having full visibility is a serious safety issue for yourself and other road users around you.

• Start the car and heat it up before you start scraping. Do not leave your car unattended when it's running. Thefts of cars left running while they defrost are known as 'frost-jacking', and leaving your car unattended like this could invalidate your car insurance if theft or damage was to take place. If you can lock the car while it warms up, do so, and always stay within sight of it.
• Your car's defroster should clear up any condensation and will help thaw out any frost on your windows, making it easier for you to scrape away the excess. Turn the heater to maximum and direct warm air towards the glass.
• Turning on your headlights could also help, as the lights will heat up, meaning any ice or frost on them will begin to melt. This saves you some scraping and will help avoid damaged lights.
• Always make sure to fully clear your car's roof, all windows, side-view mirrors and lights before you set off. Every glass surface needs to be clear for safe driving.