Asger Risom
As overnight temperatures continue to drop, car experts say a small step taken before bedtime could help prevent the problem.
Frozen windscreens are a familiar frustration for drivers during winter, often adding stress and delays before the day has even begun. As overnight temperatures continue to drop, car experts say a small step taken before bedtime could help prevent the problem.
Winter delays
Ice that forms on car windows overnight can be stubborn to remove and time-consuming to clear. Drivers who fail to fully defrost their windscreens also risk reduced visibility when setting off.
Motoring specialists say preventing frost from forming in the first place may be easier than dealing with it in the morning, particularly during prolonged cold spells.
Expert advice
Car leasing specialists at LeaseCar say treating the windscreen in advance can help stop moisture bonding to the glass as temperatures fall.
They explain that applying a thin layer to the surface before nightfall can reduce the likelihood of frost settling and freezing solid by morning.
Motor Match has shared similar advice, saying the technique can disrupt frost formation as it develops rather than after it has already formed.
Unexpected solution
The item recommended by both companies is a brown onion. LeaseCar advises motorists to cut the onion in half and wipe it directly across the windscreen before leaving the car overnight.
Motor Match explained: “One unique tip is to use an onion to treat the glass the night before. Simply cut an onion in half and rub it across the windscreen.
“The natural oils in onions create a barrier that helps prevent frost buildup by breaking down frost as it forms.”
Mixed opinions
Not all drivers are convinced by the method, with many sharing alternative approaches online. Some recommend windscreen covers, towels, or plastic sheets to block frost altogether.
One Reddit user said: “Put a towel over your windshield and then, when it’s time to shovel out the car, your windshield will be clear!”
Others argued traditional tools work best, with one writing: “Scraper, end of discussion. I’ve lived in Canada 27 years, trust me, using water is stupid.”
Safety reminder
Driving with icy or obstructed windows can lead to fines of up to £2,500, making it essential for motorists to ensure full visibility before travelling.
While the onion method may sound unconventional, experts say it could be worth testing alongside other precautions during freezing conditions.
