The recent sustained cold snap has seen a glut of cracked and shattered car windscreens, as drivers use inappropriate methods to scrape away ice and defrost glass. A survey by Nationwide Autocentre in the UK has shown that 36% of drivers admit to using hot water to de-ice their windscreens, while 27% said they use a credit card to remove ice. Other novel items doubling as ice scrapers included CD cases and even shoes.

The top tips for windscreen care during the cold snap are:

• Never use hot water to de-ice windscreens.
• Only use a purpose made ice-scraper on car windows.
• Turn heaters up gradually to de-mist windows.
• Use washer fluid that contains de-icer, to reduce the risk of water freezing on your windscreen while using washers.