Top car tips in the extreme cold – DIY fixes to try

In addition to common winter breakdowns such as batteries failing, our members report a variety of different problems when the temperature really plummets.

Here are some of the things to keep an eye out for, together with some fixes you can try at home yourself.

Frozen screenwash

Screenwash helps keep your windscreen clear – but when the mercury falls it’s vital you use a quality screenwash that is effective down to -20C. Top up your filler bottle with neat solution – don’t try and dilute it, and steer clear of ready mixed screenwash that won’t give you the protection you need.

If the screenwash has frozen, allow it to thaw before using the washers. Once thawed, check the concentration of the screenwash and top it up with a product that provides suitable protection for the expected temperature.

If the washer jets have frozen, you’ll just need to wait for the engine to warm enough to thaw them again. So always make sure you can clear your windscreen with other means before you set off. Remember the golden rule: never use hot water to de-ice a windscreen!

Frozen wiper blades

Wiper blades work particularly hard in the winter, especially as a result of gritted roads.

Before you start your car, check the wiper blades aren’t stuck to the windscreen. If they are and you try to use them, you risk breaking the mechanism and even blowing a fuse – an easily avoidable problem.

Before switching on your wipers, check that the blades aren't frozen to the windscreen. Trying to operate frozen wipers could damage the blades or wiper mechanism. Allow them to thaw and make sure the windscreen is properly de-iced before setting off.

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Frozen handbrakes

If your parking brake appears to be frozen, don't repeatedly force the handbrake or try to drive the car until it releases. Allow the vehicle to thaw naturally where possible. If the brake won't release, seek professional assistance rather than forcing it, as this could damage the braking system.

Repeat this as necessary to release the handbrake. But take care – water you use will likely freeze to the ground so be careful not to slip.

Frozen windows

Can’t operate the windows? Once the engine has warmed up and while still parked, direct the air vents towards the windows and select the hottest temperature to get them opening and closing again.

Car lock frozen

If you’ve realised that your driver’s side door is locked due to ice, don’t panic and take these steps to fix the issue.

In your emergency winter breakdown kit, it is good to have some de-icer or WD-40 to help free the lock so you can enter the vehicle – and remove any other ice that is stopping you from opening the door.

If you do not have either of these items available, the best way to defrost it is to safely apply heat. You can either breathe on the lock – but if it is safe to use an extension lead and a hairdryer, then apply heat that way.

However, be careful not to put the hairdryer right next to the lock. Due to the intense heat, it could melt the plastic or damage the electronics within the door or lock.

While you are trying to resolve this issue, try to keep the key itself in a warm place, as it should help with any remaining ice within the lock itself.

Never use boiling water or scrape of the ice.

Winter driving advice

Hopefully you will now know what to do if ice is impacting your vehicle.

However, should you need further assistance, we have a range of winter driving guides that can help you get back out on the roads safely.

Before you set off, make sure you are prepared to reduce the chances of breaking down in colder weather.

And if your car won’t start in the cold, knowing the causes and solutions is vitally important.

Should you be in an area where there is heavy rain, you will need to be aware of the best practices for driving in floods. It is equally as important to know what to do if you start aquaplaning.

Finally, knowing how to drive in snow and travel in icy conditions is necessary for all drivers in the UK during the winter months.