Popular de-icers include credit cards, CD cases and monitors

Credit cards, CD cases, hair dryers and spades – these are just some of the items drivers have confessed to using to remove snow and ice from their cars during the recent blast of Arctic weather.

The findings were revealed in a survey carried out this month on glass.co.uk – the Glass’s Guide vehicle valuation website – with more than 400 drivers disclosing what they have used to de-ice their cars, aside from regular ice scrapers and de-icer sprays.

90 per cent of those asked admitted to using ‘alternative’ de-icing methods, and among them were some particularly strange tools, including an old vehicle licence plate, a hair dryer, the base of a computer monitor and a shovel.

One in 10 said that they used either a credit card or a shopper’s loyalty card to scrape ice off the car, while a similar proportion admitted to using a household broom.  Another 23 per cent said that they relied on the car’s own heating system to melt the snow and ice.  Pouring hot or warm water over an iced-up car was a popular method among a further 13 per cent.

“Throughout the winter drivers have been advised to make sure their vehicles are completely clear of snow and ice before setting off,” says Andy Carroll, Managing Director at Glass’s.  “However, many motorists seem to have been caught unprepared, and it is worrying to hear how some have resorted to fairly desperate measures.  Car owners should think carefully about the potential damage they could cause to their vehicles by cutting corners or using extreme methods when getting ready for the road.  They risk incurring significant costs for rectification to mistreated glass, paintwork and body panels or even reducing the desirability and value of their cars."

The survey also asked respondents to identify which parts of the vehicle they ensure are completely free of ice before driving away.  Whilst almost everyone said they clear the windscreen and front windows, an alarming 36 per cent fail to take care of car headlamps and another 30 per cent leave the rear windows frosted over.

“These results are particularly worrying and suggest that many people are not spending enough time properly readying their vehicles before setting off,” added Carroll.  “With further cold weather expected, it is essential that motorists do not neglect basic road safety, ensuring they can see and be seen when driving in wintry conditions.”