Avoid 'de-icing with boiling water'

Motorists are being urged to avoid using boiling water to de-ice windscreens as it could result in a costly cracked front windscreen, the Preston Citizen reports.

It seems that the practice is most common among young people with one third of new drivers admitting to having used boiling water to de-ice their car, a survey from Comma has revealed.

Experts say that without an adequate car insurance policy to cover the cost of the damage, replacement can run into hundreds of pounds.

The newspaper also reported an eclectic mix of other hair-brained de-icing methods including using credit cards, books and fingernails.

Lancashire County Council's Road Safety Group's manager, Neil Cunliffe says that car owners should acquire the appropriate equipment.

"In cold weather, we all need to take a bit more time to clear our car windscreens. An ice scraper and a can of de-icer should be essential items kept in your car," he said.

Drivers are warned that it is illegal to drive with restricted vision in mirrors and windscreens and that doing so can attract a fine of up to £1,000.