Organic Acid Technology (OAT) - This nitrate-free formula utilises organic acid inhibitors to cool and protect engines against corrosion. Opting for commercially available de-icers specifically formulated for ice melting can help ensure more predictable and efficient results, while also minimizing the risks associated with homemade alternatives. Featured De-Icing Products Dilute beet juice with water (1:1 ratio) and spray onto icy surfaces. Beet juice is effective in melting ice and also helps prevent corrosion. Steps to Apply Your Homemade De-Icer The winter months mean that many of us must drive around in the dark. As a result, it’s crucial that windscreens are kept as clean as possible to get the clearest view of the road ahead – it is also a legal requirement that your screen washer bottle is filled at all times.

The one other thing it won’t save you from is a completely snowed-over windscreen. For those instances where you’ll need a set of snow chains, a full-on snow brush will be a more useful bet.In addition to the icy weather, British winters also bring a great amount of rain! Rain-X is a valuable product which applies a repellent barrier to your windscreen to help improve visibility during wet conditions. De-icer spray - Made with a blend of chemicals, de-icer is available as a liquid spray and an aerosol spray. Both types lower the freezing point of the ice formed on the windscreen to start the melting process and loosen the adhesion between the ice and the glass to make it easy to scrape away. Using homemade de-icers may seem like a cost-effective and convenient solution for clearing ice and snow, but it's important to understand the potential risks associated with their use: De-icer, on the other hand, is used when ice has formed on the windows of a car. Made from a blend of chemicals, de-icer works to either melt the ice or to prevent the adhesion of ice to the window's surface. This allows the ice to be removed with a scraper or the window wipers. 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 good pre-icer spray can remove the need to de-ice at all in the morning but requires evening treatment. While de-icer must be used before driving the vehicle to ensure a clear and safe windscreen.

Potassium acetate: For an eco-friendly de-icing product, potassium acetate solutions are a great option. Potassium acetate is biodegradable and non-corrosive, making it safe for concrete surfaces. Remember to exercise caution when applying homemade deicers and wear appropriate footwear to prevent slips or falls. Stay safe and enjoy the benefits of your homemade deicer! Bonus De-Icing Tips Potential damage to property and vegetation: Homemade de-icers can contain ingredients that are corrosive and may cause damage to surfaces such as concrete, metal, or wood. Additionally, the residue left behind by these de-icers can stain or deteriorate surfaces over time. Moreover, their chemical composition might harm nearby vegetation, causing damage to plants and grass; Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA): It is an eco-friendly and concrete-safe de-icer that offers an alternative to homemade de-icing solutions. CMA works by preventing ice and snow from bonding to the surface, making it easier to remove; Now that you know the preventative measures to take against freezing temperatures, let's look at some solutions to try today. 7 Homemade De-Icing Sprays You Can Make Right NowOrganic salt-free de-icers: Non-toxic options ideal for households with pets. They provide a safe solution for maintaining ice-free surfaces while safeguarding the well-being of pets. These environmentally friendly alternatives are formulated without harmful chemicals, reducing the risk of paw irritation and chemical ingestion.

Apply early: Start applying the de-icer before the snow or ice accumulates too heavily. This prevents ice from bonding to the surface; Additives help your car engine run more efficiently, preventing the engine from clogging up, which is more likely to happen when you’re taking small journeys in the cold. To combat the cold weather’s harsh effects on your engine, use a petrol or diesel cleaner such as Wynns Total Action Petrol Cleaner or Diesel Cleaner. These additives are developed to keep your vehicle’s injectors and fuel system clean. They will also help to restore engine performance, as well as reduce exhaust emissions and fuel consumption.Use a spray bottle or watering can to apply the de-icer evenly onto the icy or snow-covered surface; Running low on engine oil is a frequent cause of breakdowns and can cause serious damage to the engine. Oil helps lubricate the engine and keeping it topped up could save you from having to fork out on unnecessary repairs. Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) - Used in older models of car, this coolant contains glycol which rapidly depletes and must be changed frequently. Mix 2 cups of isopropyl alcohol, 1 cup of warm water, and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. This solution swiftly melts ice and prevents refreezing. Solution #7: Beet Juice Spray Antifreeze comes in concentrated form which must be diluted with water and a ready mixed form. Knowing which antifreeze to use will be dependent on the make and model of your vehicle. More modern cars made after 1998 require antifreeze with silicate-free, organic acid technology (OAT).

Whilst the thought of maintaining your vehicle during potentially freezing temperatures can feel daunting, Halfords are always on hand! To help you prepare your car for winter, we’ve put together a list of 5 essential fluids that will keep your car running when temperatures have dropped, giving you the confidence to keep going. Essential fluids for your car Antifreeze is essential during the colder months as it prevents water within your engine’s cooling system from freezing over. Frozen water within the cooling system can cause significant damage to the radiator and can be costly to fix. Don’t miss out! Join the Halfords Motoring Club today to access a range of amazing benefits and discounts that are designed to keep you moving, keep you safe and keep you saving. Park facing east: The Sun rises in the east and sets in the west. If your windshield is facing the Sun as it rises, there's a chance that any ice formed in the night will melt before you wake up in the morning;Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) - A derivative of OAT coolant, this phosphate coolant prevents overheating and contains additives to prevent engine corrosion. Safety risks: Homemade de-icers may not effectively melt ice, leading to unsafe and hazardous conditions. Insufficient ice melting can result in slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries for pedestrians and vehicles alike. 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. With prolonged use, salt and rubbing alcohol can destroy automotive paint: The first time salt or rubbing alcohol touches the paint on your car, you might not notice a problem. But, if you continue to use them, after a while, you will start to see the gloss fade and the color dissolve. So, when using these ingredients in your homemade de-icer, take care to only use them on the glass. Even application: Apply the de-icer evenly to ensure consistent melting. Avoid oversaturating the surface, as this can lead to runoff and refreezing; Keeping your fluids topped up is vital for ensuring you are covered when setting off on winter journeys. Here are five fluids every vehicle needs during the colder months: Engine oil