1 week Ago By [email protected] (Conor Knell )
As temperatures drop across the UK, motoring experts at Motor Match have a surprising tip to keep your visibility at 100%. And rather than a trip to Halfords, you should instead go to your local greengrocer. The tip is that to prevent frost and condensation from forming on their car windscreens this winter, motorists should rub a potato across the glass could help.
While the sight of someone rubbing a potato on their car could elicit questions from neighbours and possibly a welfare check from police, doing so reportedly creates a thin layer of starch on the windscreen that serves as a barrier against moisture - the culprit behind frost and condensation build-up. By cutting a potato in half and rubbing the exposed side over the outside of the windscreen, drivers can prepare their car for frosty mornings and rainy conditions more easily. Experts explain: “It might sound unusual, but rubbing the cut side of a potato onto your windscreen can make a big difference.
READ MORE: The most stolen car in Coventry is 'baby' owned by thousands “The starch forms a protective film that stops moisture from sticking to the surface, so frost won’t settle as easily overnight. This means condensation will be less likely to form during rainy or humid weather.” For drivers dealing with the hassle of scraping frost or waiting for the condensation to clear before heading out on the road, this simple solution could save time and effort.
They say the key is the preparation - that the potato should be applied the evening before, especially if cold weather is forecast. This gives the starch time to form a shield on the windscreen that helps prevent frost from sticking to the surface at night. Not only does it reduce the risk of frost, but it can also improve visibility during wet weather.
When rain hits a treated windscreen, the water tends to bead up and slide off more efficiently. The experts add: “The starch creates a hydrophobic effect, meaning water droplets won’t cling to the glass. This can improve visibility during heavy rainfall, as the water runs off the windscreen in a smooth sheet rather than scattering into distracting droplets.
” To make the most of this technique, drivers are advised to gently rinse or wipe away any potato residue using the wipers the next morning. While the starch provides a helpful barrier, any remaining particles from the potato should be removed before driving to keep a clear and clean view of the road. This trick not only offers a natural alternative to chemical treatments but also provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to common winter driving issues.
As the colder months approach, it could be worth keeping a few potatoes on hand to avoid the frost and condensation, making mornings smoother and journeys safer..
