UK drivers are being advised to employ a simple household item to combat a widespread winter problem, as the Met Office issues amber and yellow weather warnings for freezing temperatures.
The Simple Frost-Prevention Hack
One motoring expert has revealed that wrapping carrier bags or bin liners around your car's wing mirrors overnight can save you the hassle of defrosting them in the morning. Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, recommends securing the bag around the mirror with a rubber band to create a barrier against moisture, preventing it from turning into ice when temperatures plummet.
"It might look strange but wrapping bags around your car’s wing mirrors overnight really can prevent them from icing-up," Mr Conway stated. He explained that frost forms when water vapour condenses and freezes on cold surfaces. The plastic bag acts as a physical shield, meaning there is significantly less chance of frost forming on the mirror itself.
Avoiding Legal and Safety Consequences
This clever habit is not just a time-saver, especially for vehicles without heated mirrors; it is also a critical safety measure. Driving with frosted or obscured wing mirrors is illegal. If caught, you could be charged with driving without proper control, risking a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice and three penalty points on your licence.
Mr Conway warned of more severe outcomes, saying, "More serious cases, where frosted mirrors have contributed to an accident, could result in a £5,000 fine, nine points on your licence and even disqualification." Ensuring clear visibility is therefore paramount for road safety.
An Unexpected Bonus: Protection from Birds
Interestingly, this winter tip serves a dual purpose. Mr Conway highlighted that birds like robins and magpies can cause significant damage to wing mirrors. "Even small birds can cause extensive damage... leaving peck marks on paint and cracking the glass," he explained.
Furthermore, when birds perch on mirrors, their droppings can wreak havoc on a car's paintwork. Bird poo is highly acidic and can eat into paint and protective layers in a matter of hours. The damage can be so severe that a full respray might be necessary, with larger panels costing around £5,000 to fix. A simple carrier bag can help protect your car from these feathered foes as well as the frost.
