On average, almost 1 in 6
people risk their car being stolen by leaving the engine running while
they defrost their car, according to AA research.
Scottish
drivers seem to be the most trusting, with almost a quarter (23%) of
people willing to leave their car with the engine running. Only 1 in 10
Londoners would do the same.
The AA has released a new animated video offering steps on how people can easily and quickly defrost their windscreens without risking their car being stolen.
The
video also looks at how to avoid damaging your car and wipers while
defrosting it – after 14% of AA panel members said they risk scratching
their windscreen by using a credit card.
You’re also running the
risk of a cracked windscreen if you use boiling water to clear it – only
2% of AA Panel Members said they do this.
However, 23% of
drivers said they’d use warm water on their windscreen, which also
carries the risk of cracking the glass if it already has a small chip or
crack.
Our survey found that young people (aged 18-24) are more than twice as likely to use boiling water as the general population.
The AA’s advice page answers the most popular questions, including:
- The best ways to quickly and easily defrost your car.
- Why boiling water is a definite no-no for defrosting your windscreen.
- How you could risk ripped windscreen wipers and frozen door handles by using warm water.
- How to prevent frost before it starts.
- How to keep your car safe and secure during defrosting.
