The thing you need to be careful of is using the right scraper after spraying de-icer to ensure you don't scratch or damage the windshield.

It's crucial to prioritize safety and choose a reliable and properly formulated de-icer to ensure the removal of ice and the reduction of potential risks. Unlike much simpler products such as a torch, de-icer is a potentially dangerous product for both you and the planet. According to Polar, this de-icer not only works well in breaking down the ice on your windscreen, but it also helps free up locks and mirrors as well. Many vehicles will have an oil warning light that turns on if the level drops too low, but we would always recommend regular checks so that you can keep an eye on your oil levels and top up before it’s too late. Water (the main component of ice) freezes at 0°C, the reason winter mornings often require a de-icer.

The experts over at Prestone offer this top tip: if there’s snow on your windscreen as well, score it before spraying so the de-icer can reach the frozen stuff below.

Keeping your fluids topped up is vital for ensuring you are covered when setting off on winter journeys. If it contains ethylene glycol, then you need to know that when it comes out of the container it’s a no.The check’s also one of the benefits that you’ll receive for free if you join the Halfords Motoring Club – check out the end of this article to find out how you can become a member. It works like this: water freezes at 0°C (32°F), while ethylene glycol doesn’t freeze until -12°C, and if it’s mixed with water, say 70 per cent ethylene glycol to 30 per cent water, this combo doesn’t freeze until it gets all the way down to -50°C. To keep your vehicle moving and safe to drive, these products are an essential addition to your car's maintenance kit.

Here's another possible answer, if you happen to have dill pickle juice on hand (after all, it's made mostly from vinegar and salt). While you can get to work with a decent ice scraper or chance throwing boiling water onto the ice (don’t, you’ll do damage), de-icer is far quicker and less strenuous.Personal preference - For de-icer products, the choice is down to your preference of when to treat the car and how much time you have in the morning. A fancier option for clearing ice from your windscreen, the Autoglym De-icer is effective at temperatures as low as a Siberian -50°C, meaning there's no worry that a cold snap will render it useless. Sitting at great value for money, this aerosol de-icer from CarPlan is a great way to dissolve ice from your windscreen without spending too much. The Demon Ice is effective down to -20°C, works as both a de-icer and pre-icer and features a nice cherry scent. Brine solutions: Brines work by lowering the freezing point of water to quickly melt ice on contact.