Drivers urged to clear windscreen frost or risk breaking Highway Code rules – ‘Makes a big difference’
Drivers are being urged to use an unconventional method to clear their windscreens to prevent condensation and avoid breaking Highway Code rules as temperatures across the UK plummet.
The Met Office has forecast that temperatures will plummet overnight this weekend and in the coming week, prompting experts to call on drivers to act.
Motorists are being offered an unusual yet effective solution to combat frosty windscreens and the answer lies in an everyday kitchen staple.
Experts are recommending that motorists rub a potato across their car windscreens to prevent frost and condensation from forming during cold weather.
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The surprising hack will create a protective layer of starch on the glass, which acts as a barrier against moisture build-up and ensures motorists adhere to the Highway Code.
The application process is remarkably simple, with drivers cutting a potato in half and rubbing the exposed side directly onto the outside of your windscreen.
Motorists will need to apply the hack the evening before frost is expected, allowing sufficient time for the starch barrier to form.
This natural coating prevents moisture from adhering to the glass surface, making it harder for frost to settle overnight.
During wet weather, the treatment also helps water droplets slide off more efficiently, improving overall visibility.
A spokesperson for Motor Match said: “It might sound unusual, but rubbing the cut side of a potato onto your windscreen can make a big difference.
“The starch forms a protective film that stops moisture from sticking to the surface, so frost won’t settle as easily overnight, and condensation will be less likely to form during rainy or humid weather.
“The starch creates a hydrophobic effect, meaning water droplets won’t cling to the glass. This can improve visibility during heavy rainfall, as the water runs off the windscreen in a smooth sheet rather than scattering into distracting droplets.”
For best results, drivers should use their windscreen wipers the following morning to remove any remaining potato residue and ensure a clear view of the road.
The potato method offers a natural alternative to chemical de-icing products, making it an environmentally friendly choice and can be far more cost-effective by using kitchen ingredients.
This could be hugely beneficial for motorists as winter temperatures set in and drivers will be stung by frost-covered windscreens as they commute to work.
Rule 229 of the Highway Code instructs motorists to ensure they can see out of their windows, meaning all snow and ice must be cleared from their windows.
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It adds that before drivers set off, all mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly. They should also remove all snow that might fall into the path of other road users.
The Code continues: “Check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.”