Drivers urged to use 89p kitchen essential to keep windscreen frost-free

Motorists have been advised to rub a common salad ingredient on their car windscreens to protect the glass from steam during the Autumn and Winter months. Cucumbers, while being a crucial part of many salads, contain properties that can "repel" frost and ice as temperatures drop.

Callum Butler, a spokesperson for ALA Insurance, emphasised that cucumbers can create a "hydrophobic surface" on the glass within seconds. This will provide drivers with a "protective film" around their windscreen, which could also guard against condensation and steam.

The lesser-known trick won't clear already frozen windscreens but acts as a preventative measure, meaning the cucumber must be applied the night before a significant freeze. It could be as straightforward as leaving a little leftover after preparing a packed lunch for work the next day.

Mr Butler said: "Cucumber contains natural oils which create a hydrophobic surface when rubbed on glass or mirrors.

"The water-repellent properties of cucumber help to stop your windshield from condensing and forming a fog.", reports the Express.

"Essentially, it's like giving your windshield a protective film that discourages condensation during the colder months."

Cucumbers can be bought for approximately 89p from supermarkets, making it a cost-effective solution for those on a tight budget. To apply the cucumber solution, motorists should first turn on their car's defrost setting and direct the air towards the windscreen.

This will help to dry the glass, creating the ideal conditions to apply the protective film. As temperatures plummet, drivers are advised to switch on their air conditioning to clear moisture from their car's interior. It's important not to recirculate the air at first as it could overheat the cabin.

However, an interesting tip for preventing steam build-up involves using certain foods, like leftovers from Halloween pumpkins or even raw potatoes. These everyday vegetables contain starch, which can act as a protective barrier against condensation and frost on glass surfaces.

MotorMatch explains: "Starch acts as a barrier between the ice and the glass, preventing it from refreezing quickly. This means you can spend less time in the cold, scraping away at your windscreen."

"The starch, in vegetables like pumpkin and potato, is a natural ice-melting agent. When applied to your frost-covered windscreen, it can help break down the frost, and make scraping it off much easier."