It is getting to that time of year where part of your morning routine will be waking up to a frozen windscreen and having to de-ice your car.

But for some, the best process of de-icing your car is not always clear.

As we approach freezing conditions outside, water vapour in the air is being cooled by the surface of the glass windscreens causing frost and ice.

If you drive with just part of the ice or snow removed, you are limiting your vision while driving and could be at risk of a £60 fine and three points on your licence.

Credit broker Central Contracts - which runs vehicle leasing websites including Leasecar.uk and Leasevan.co.uk - has issued some useful tips and solutions on how to properly de-ice your car.

Stay inside the car as you warm up your vehicle

Generally, the first thing people tend to do is start up their car and let the warmth of the engine and defrost settings to melt the ice. However, it is recommended that you also stay inside the vehicle during this process, which could sometimes take around 15 minutes for the glass to become warm enough.

If you leave your car as it warms up, you could be at risk of a £20 fine and three penalty points for idling your engine.

Clear the exhaust pipes

Exhaust pipes could become clogged up from ice or snow in the winter, which of course could mean trouble for the driver. If the exhaust pipe is blocked, there is a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in the car. So, it is better of safe than sorry!

Spray your vehicle with solution

Saltwater solution is a quick method to chemically dissolve the ice, rather than waiting for the ice to melt with heat. The ions in salt also lower the freezing point of water, making it difficult to refreeze. However, do apply the solution with a fair amount, as heavy application could damage the glass.

Other home-solutions which you may easily find in your home include:

  • Mixing one-part water to two parts rubbing alcohol.
  • A bottle of 70 per cent of isopropyl alcohol with a few drops of dish water
  • A mixture of vinegar and water – which may not melt ice but prevent it from forming the night before.

De-icer

If you’d rather use an easier solution, you can purchase a bottle of de-icer which will make your mornings a lot easier.

Ice scraper

This may seem obvious, but an ice-scraper is always handy in a situation like this to chip away the ice.

It might seem easy to get anything with a flat enough surface to scrape off the ice, but in doing so you are at risk of scratching your windscreen.

Don't rush

Give the vehicle sometime to de-ice your car. The Highway Code clearly states that windows and windscreens must be kept clean and free of visual obstructions – and breaking this rule could result in a fine and points on your licence.