Asger Risom
A winter morning can turn into a slow, cold routine before you even leave the driveway. Now a simple set of steps circulating online is giving drivers a faster way through it, according to a garage chain sharing the tip on TikTok.
A defrosting method credited to former NASA engineer Mark Rober is going viral on TikTok, with a UK garage group sharing the steps as a quick fix for icy mornings.
Eden Tyres and Servicing, which operates garages across the East Midlands, posted the walkthrough and said it was based on advice from Rober, who is known for popular science content online.
Viral winter fix
Rober spent nine years at NASA, where his work included contributions to the Curiosity rover, which has been exploring Mars since 2012. He later worked on autonomous vehicle technology with Apple, according to the TikTok post.
The presenter in the Eden Tyres video lays out the approach as a simple sequence designed to clear frost while reducing internal moisture.
Four steps explained
“Here is the best way to defrost your windscreen according to a former NASA engineer. Step one: turn on the car heater immediately and put it at full blast.
“Step two: turn on the car’s air conditioning. It’ll help soak up the remainder of any moisture inside.
“Step three: turn off the car air circulation button. When turned on this button traps the humidity inside.
“And step four, slightly unexpected, but open all of the car windows, only ever so slightly. This will help exchange humidity in the car for the dry air that’s outside.
“And voila – a nice defrosted windscreen.”
Drivers weigh in
Commenters offered their own alternatives and verdicts on what works best. One wrote: “Get a windscreen cover.”
Another said: “Just took [mine] off in two seconds and my windscreen is crystal clear. So much easier.”
A third suggested: “Or use a flattened out cardboard box. But if the windows are frozen then lukewarm water is better than wasting time scraping and spraying de-icer.”
Some pointed to electric vehicles. “Get an EV (electric vehicle),” one user wrote, adding: “Press button on phone while you are having a cuppa in the warm house. Then get into warm car with demisted windows all round.”
Not everyone was convinced the method fits every car. “Has the NASA engineer tried to do this in a Clio? Takes 84 years.”
You can watch the video here:
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Sources: Daily Express, Mirror, Eden Tyres and Servicing (TikTok)
