A simple household item could be the key to avoiding a frosty start for motorists this winter. Content creator Shannen, from the popular TikTok channel @_greengal, has urged drivers to use newspaper or a towel to cover their windscreens overnight.
The eco-friendly alternative to idling
Shannen highlighted the significant downsides of the common practice of leaving a car idling to defrost the windscreen. Speaking ahead of the Christmas period, she warned that this method releases plumes of harmful fumes, negatively impacting both public health and the environment.
"People walking by will breathe that in, and also it's just wasting money as well," she explained. "You're just leaving the car running and using petrol or diesel."
Her suggested solution is far simpler and more sustainable. By placing newspaper or an old towel over the glass, drivers can prevent frost from forming directly on the windscreen. This method is quicker, easier, and costs nothing if you use items already in your home.
Official winter maintenance advice
This clever hack aligns with broader winter car care guidance. The RAC states that preventing your interior windscreen from freezing is an integral part of regular car maintenance during the colder months and should be added to your weekly schedule.
To reduce the risk of interior frost, the motoring organisation advises ensuring your car is well-ventilated. This is particularly important for vehicles with sunroofs, due to the extra surface area for condensation to freeze.
The RAC recommends opening windows whenever it is safe and possible to do so, as this helps balance the humidity difference between the inside and outside of the vehicle. Further helpful tips for winter driving and vehicle care are available on the RAC's official website.
A win for your wallet and wellbeing
Adopting this low-tech approach offers multiple benefits. Not only does it eliminate the need for wasteful and polluting engine idling, but it also saves drivers money on fuel. Furthermore, it protects the health of pedestrians by reducing the amount of toxic exhaust fumes released into the air in residential areas and on streets.
As temperatures plummet this December, this simple newspaper trick provides a practical, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious solution to a perennial winter problem.
