COPS have revealed that a common method for de-icing your windscreen could actually leave you walking to work in the cold.
Law enforcement officials warned that the effort-saving trick could actually leave you exposed to the efforts of opportunistic criminals.
GettyCops have warned drivers against a common method of de-icing their windscreens[/caption]
Temperatures are very firmly on the slide this week, with the National Weather Service predicting lows into the single figures in the far North.
One of the most irritating aspects of the shifting weather for drivers is waking up to a frosted windshield, especially when they’re in a rush to get to work or drop the kids at school.
There are all sorts of tips and tricks that motorists have developed over the years to clear the ice rapidly and with minimal effort.
Nobody likes standing on a freezing morning hacking away with an ice scraper for ten minutes.
Most modern cars have tech built in to combat the problem by making use of the air con.
Usually, there’s a dashboard button which activates the windshield heater.
This channels warm air directly at the inside of the glass, melting the ice from below and causing it to run off like rainwater.
As a result, it’s become common for drivers to switch on their cars, whack the heater up to full and go and grab a coffee while they wait for the glass to defrost.
But Michael Pursley, chief of police in Albany, GA, has warned against doing this as it could put your vehicle at risk.
In order to keep the heater going, you have to leave the engine running.
Chief Pursley explained that it’s vital never to leave your car unattended with the ignition on.
He told WALB News: “If you leave your vehicle running, unoccupied and unsecured, there’s a potential that a person may come and steal your vehicle.”
You could see how an opportunistic thief might easily prowl around residential areas in the morning and wait for someone to leave their car open before simply hopping in and driving away.
The chief added that, while it might take a bit of extra time to clear your windshield with another method, it’s far better than having to walk in the cold.
However, drivers have found a $9 Walmart buy that might solve the issue altogether.
The budget superstore sells a winter windshield cover from FrostGuard in a variety of sizes, with a 61×32 inch version for just $9.47.
This prevents water from condensing onto the glass and freezing in the first place.
Just pop it on your windshield overnight and take it off just before you set out the next day.
It also has side panels that tuck into your doors to lock them in place to prevent theft or slippage.
The product has achieved a glowing 4.4 out of 5 star rating from customers.
One reviewer wrote: “This product was perfect.
“Application, removal and storage was easy.
“A very good purchase.”
https://www.the-sun.com/motors/13004190/method-de-ice-windshields-theft-walmart-buy-better/