Drivers warned never use kettle to defrost car

Motorists have been urged to never de-ice their car using a kettle (Image: Getty)

Motorists have been told to never pour boiling hot water from a kettle over a car windscreen in a desperate attempt to clear snow and ice this winter. 

Boiling water may appear the quickest way to clear thick layers of frost but the simple trick could dramatically backfire. 

The sudden change in temperature can cause a phenomenon known as “thermal shock” which could shatter glass in seconds.

Car breakdown experts and insurance specialists at the RAC have previously told road users to never use a kettle as a last resort. 

They issued the advice as they told road users how to safely de-ice their vehicles amid the latest cold weather spell to hit the UK. 

Boiling water can crack car windscreen glass (Image: Getty)

The RAC said: “In the past, people used to boil water in the kettle and then throw it on the frozen car to quickly melt the car.

“However, this is a very dangerous thing to do! It will likely crack the glass – and even if it doesn’t, repeatedly doing it will weaken the glass.

“Known as ‘thermal shock’, this is a bad habit to get into. Although it may be the quick option – spending an extra minute will be worth not having a large bill to replace your windscreen.”

Rapid temperature changes can cause the glass to expand, cracking the screen and likely leading to extensive repairs. 

The cost of repairing a damaged windscreen can range anywhere from £40 to £118 depending on the size of vehicles and the extent of damage. 

However, motorists may find they have to replace the windscreen if it becomes particularly damaged.

This could become very costly with new screens likely to set motorists back between £260 and £1,350 depending on their vehicle.

AutoGlass explained: “It may come as something of a surprise how vulnerable they can be to sudden temperature shifts. Your windscreen can expand and contract depending on its exposure to different temperatures.

“The best way to avoid this damage to your windscreen is to avoid exposing it to radical temperature changes, this is true even when dealing with an already frozen windshield. 

“When you defrost your windshield or rear window – avoid applying boiling water directly to the glass, as this may damage it.”