Drivers urged to use 2 buttons to clear windscreen instead of dehumidifier

The Met Office has forecast heavy snow and rain across parts of England and Northern Ireland, with yellow weather warnings currently in place until Friday, February 5, the last of which is lifted at 11.59pm tomorrow. While the weather agency warns people to avoid travelling or driving in such conditions, there are instances where drivers will have to make journeys regardless, and with that being the case, it is crucial that you take measures to ensure journeys are safe and run smoothly.

Wintry weather can cause a number of issues, including a foggy windscreen. This occurs when plummeting temperatures outside a vehicle, with the warmth inside, lead to a buildup of condensation on the glass. While you can use the dehumidifier to tackle the issue, drivers have been offered an easier alternative.

UK drivers have been advised to skip the dehumidifier and use two buttons instead, which, according to an expert at FixMyCar, can make all the difference.

Matt Wrankmore, head of garage network at FixMyCar, told Sun Motors: "Before parking, blast cool air briefly to reduce humidity in the cabin.

"In the morning, use warm air and switch on the air conditioning, which acts as a dehumidifier and clears the glass without smearing."

Mr Wrankmore also offered another gem for drivers. The expert revealed how to prevent door seals from freezing up overnight, using a simple and cost-effective method.

According to the expert, all you need to do is apply a smear of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to the rubber door seals of your car to prevent them from sticking and freezing in cold, damp conditions.

He said: "A light smear of Vaseline on rubber door seals helps prevent them from freezing shut, although it should not be used on wiper blades.

"Keeping locks dry and covered where possible also reduces the chance of freezing."

To carry out the method properly, first clean the seals with a damp cloth to remove dirt, grit and any residues that could trap moisture.

Dry the seals thoroughly; applying Vaseline to damp rubber reduces its effectiveness.

Then, apply a very thin layer of Vaseline using a soft cloth or your fingertip along the length of the seal to create a light sheen, rather than a visible layer.

Doing this will form a moisture-resistant barrier that doesn't freeze, helping the rubber remain supple and preventing water ingress from bonding the seal to the door frame. It's recommended to use it on the rubber seals around car doors and the boot, where freezing and sticking are most likely to occur.

You should, however, avoid using Vaseline on wiper blades as it can smear the windscreen and even degrade certain rubber compounds over time.