The expert recommended drivers put socks on their door mirrors to prevent ice from forming (Image: Jack Mortimer)
An automotive expert has shared an unusual yet surprisingly effective tip to in this .
Whilst temperatures have risen in various parts of the country over recent days, many drivers are already all too familiar with the need to and before they set off.
However, Iain Ferguson, Automotive Lecturer at , suggested that drivers could cut de-icing time by putting some socks on their door mirrors.
He explained: ” is an essential safety precaution during the winter, but it’s of course time consuming.
“Covering your wing mirrors with old socks can help prevent them from icing over, saving you time and even protecting them from potential scratching and cracking.”
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Leaving door mirrors exposed to the elements can severely reduce visibility (Image: Getty)
Whilst it may look silly, adding a sock to each door mirror on a vehicle will help to block water from getting onto the surface and freezing over.
As a result, drivers will not have to spend attitional time on cold mornings with the ice-scraper in order to maintain a good level of visibility.
Motorists can also buy a set of dedicated door mirror covers, which are available from around £5 a pair at many motoring accessory shops and come in a variety of designs.
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Drivers were also urged to use a scraper to remove ice, rather than pouring hot water onto the car (Image: Getty)
Nevertheless, when clearing the ice from a car, Iain warned all drivers to avoid using hot water from a kettle, stating it could cause the window to crack very easily.
He advised: “Popping on the kettle and using hot water to get frost and ice off your car is an easy mistake to make, but it is also a costly one.
“This can crack the glass on your car, leading to expensive repairs – an icy window will be the least of your worries when you get that bill in.”
Whatever method drivers choose, it is vital that they make sure that any trace of ice is removed from their vehicle’s windows and mirrors before they take to the roads.
Whilst it may feel tempting to only scrape the ice directly in front of the driver, those who do not clear enough have significantly bigger blind spots, which could result in a higher risk of accidents.
Motorists would also be at a much higher risk of fines, with many facing an on-the-spot penalty of £60 and three licence points. However, this fee could rise to as much as £2,500 if the practice led to an accident.