Drivers urged to leave teabags in their car overnight to avoid £2,500 fine

Motorists have been given an unlikely tip that can help them prevent a frustrating winter problem from delaying the start of their journeys. Whilst temperatures have slowly increased over the week, many drivers are still suffering from condensation causing misted-up windows inside their car, resulting in them waiting for several minutes as the demister clears their view. However, Ben Pitcher, a motoring expert at the diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning service DPF Experts , suggested that drivers can eliminate the wait altogether by putting teabags in their car.

He advised: "Tea bags, especially black or green tea, are natural moisture absorbers. Placing them in your car can help reduce condensation, especially in colder months. "Though they aren’t as powerful as professional dehumidifiers , they’re a cheap, eco-friendly solution for tackling minor dampness.



" Despite sounding strange at first, black and green tea are both able to absorb moisture that can get into the air during sharp temperature changes. As a result, drivers who place teabags or small bowls of loose tea are able to soak up any moisture in the air before it can stick to the windscreen, meaning it will be crystal clear when they want to begin their journey. Used teabags are typically recommended for this trick, as they can also help to absorb any unpleasant smells from within the car, swapping them with the smell of a fresh brew.

Ben also suggested that drivers can get similar results by placing a number of silica gel packets, typically found in packaging, on their vehicle's dashboard. He added: "Silica gel packets, commonly found in packaging, are excellent at absorbing moisture. "Collecting a few and placing them around your car can help control condensation.

While they won’t clear foggy windows instantly, they can help reduce moisture and keep your windscreen clearer for longer." Whilst there are many items a driver can use to soak up any moisture in the air, they must make sure that all of their windows are clear from mist before taking to the roads. Drivers who fail to clear condensation are at risk of breaking rule 229 of the Highway Code, giving themselves much larger blind spots that could make other road users more difficult to see.

As a result, motorists found behind the wheel of a car with misted-up windows run the risk of receiving a fine which typically stands at £100 but may skyrocket to a maximum of £2,500 and points on their licence..