Peter Lyon
December 4, 2025
Almost half of motorists risk damaging their car when clearing ice from their windscreen while a third (34%) could face a fine due to their winter morning habits, according to research from eBay, the UK’s number one online marketplace for vehicle parts & accessories.
Following the UK’s first winter cold-snap with vehicles frosting up across the country, eBay’s research revealed one in five (19%) motorists have admitted to using boiling water from a kettle despite the fact it can crack the glass. Almost a third (30%) said they used their wipers to clear ice, which could damage the wiper blades and electric motor.
While the data found the most common ways drivers use to clear their windscreen was ice scrapers (32%) and de-icer spray (26%), it also revealed the more unusual methods including bank cards, CDs, CD cases, a paint scraper, cold water, and even the hot water bottle ‘trick’ made viral through social media.
As well as risking damage to their car, drivers could be fined for how they defrost their car. Nearly one in five (19%) were unaware that it was illegal to drive their vehicles without fully defrosted windows. This can result in a £60 fine and three points on your license according to rule 229 in the Highway Code.
Some motorists (18%) also said they were comfortable leaving their car running to fully defrost their car, with 15% aiming to make the most of their busy morning while the vehicle runs outside. This is also technically illegal under rule 123 in the Highway Code and can result in a fine of up-to £80.
The attitude to clearing all car windows differs across the generations, with just over half (52%) of Gen-Z motorists saying they would fully defrost all windows before setting off on their journey, compared with over four of five (85%) Boomers.
The top tool for clearing frost differed across car owners. Renault drivers were the top ice scraper supporters with 90% of them choosing it as their preferred method, while Škoda owners were the top users of de-icer (88%). Meanwhile, Lexus drivers were the main users (56%) of a windscreen cover.
Abir Tewari, UK Director of Commercial Operations, Parts & Accessories at eBay, said:“Following the first cold snap of the season, we’re seeing motorists use a range of methods to clear their windscreens — some more effective and safer than others. It’s vital drivers prepare their vehicles properly for challenging winter conditions. That’s why eBay offers a wide selection of tried, tested and safe solutions to make cold mornings simpler and safer.”
This winter, eBay is offering customers up to 20% off winter vehicle essentials until 20 February 2026, including ice scrapers, de-icer, windscreen covers and more. More details can be found here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/e/motors/m-deals-winter-essentials
CARLIST THOUGHTS
According to eBay sales data from October 2024 to October 2025, drivers appear to begin preparing for the cold mornings from November, with defroster (second), ice scraper (fourth and sixth), windscreen cover (seventh) appearing in the top 10 best-selling items for the month.
