January 31, 2010

Have you been caught short by the weather this winter?  By that I’m not talking about patches of yellow snow across the suburbs, but having to use an unusual device to scrape the ice or snow off your windscreen. 

According to a survey carried out by Glasses guide, the car valuation website, a staggering 90per cent of drivers asked have used alternative devices to clear their windscreens. Credit cards were popular; your local B & Q may not accept American Express but when it comes to clearing the windscreen it really is your flexible friend!

Other loyalty cards are obviously popular, as well as a trusty household broom.  Some more leftfield options were also revealed including an old vehicle licence plate, a hair dryer, the base of a computer monitor and a shovel.  Commuters with more time on their hands were able to rely on the cars own heater system to warm up and do the job for them, and the brave pour boiling water straight from the kettle.

Andy Carroll, Managing Director at Glass’s commented: “Throughout the winter drivers have been advised to make sure their vehicles are completely clear of snow and ice before setting off.  However, many motorists seem to have been caught unprepared, and it is worrying to hear how some have resorted to fairly desperate measures.  Car owners should think carefully about the potential damage they could cause to their vehicles by cutting corners or using extreme methods when getting ready for the road.  They risk incurring significant costs for rectification to mistreated glass, paintwork and body panels or even reducing the desirability and value of their cars."

Motorists tend to adopt a front to back approach to the vision problems that the cold weather brings.  Almost everyone said they clear the windscreen and front windows, but 36 per cent fail to take care of car headlamps and another 30 per cent leave the rear windows frosted over.  This comes as little surprise as if you’re using your hairdryer to clear the windscreen you’re unlikely to want to give your headlights a blow dry!

“These results are particularly worrying and suggest that many people are not spending enough time properly readying their vehicles before setting off,” added Carroll.  “With further cold weather expected, it is essential that motorists do not neglect basic road safety, ensuring they can see and be seen when driving in wintry conditions.”

The bottom line is that if your car is covered in snow when you leave the house you must make sure that you can see all around before departing. 

It’s quicker and easier to do this if you have a decent ice scraper, so why not treat yourself to one.  It may not be just time that you save.

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