December is already here and drivers are now entering the three coldest months of the year. This usually means waking up to iced-over windscreens, frozen mirrors and cars that take far longer to clear than most people would like.
For many, the same problem appears again in the evening as temperatures drop after dark. But according to one car expert, there are a few simple tricks that can make the whole process much quicker.
Some can even stop ice from forming in the first place, saving time on busy mornings. The advice comes from a specialist used to driving in far harsher winter conditions than the UK.
He says most drivers rely only on heaters or shop-bought sprays, even though there are faster and cheaper options available.
Alexander Haraldsson is a cold-weather driving specialist and CEO of Lotus Car Rentals in Iceland.
He shared five quick and cost-effective ways to prevent ice or remove it in seconds.
His first tip is to spray the windscreen with a mix of water and vinegar before going to bed.
Vinegar has a much lower freezing point than water, meaning ice struggles to form on top of it.
Mr Haraldsson says this can save drivers precious minutes when they are trying to get on the road.
Another simple trick is to park the car facing east. As the sun rises, the windscreen begins to warm naturally.
This can melt away overnight frost and reduce the time needed to scrape the glass.
For anyone wanting a stronger solution, Mr Haraldsson suggests making a DIY de-icing spray.
Mixing rubbing alcohol with a small amount of washing-up liquid creates a quick-working de-icer that can be sprayed across all windows.
He says vodka mixed with water also works well if rubbing alcohol is not available.
He also points to a popular social-media method using a potato or onion. Rubbing half of one over the windows the night before can stop them freezing fully.
According to Mr Haraldsson, these vegetables have a similar effect to vinegar as the sugar molecules help break down frost as soon as it starts to form.
His final tip is one of the quickest. Pour warm (not boiling) water into a freezer or sandwich bag and glide it over the windscreen.
The warmth melts the ice immediately without risking damage to the windows. However, he warns that boiling water should never be used directly, as it can cause the windscreen to crack.
For more winter driving advice, click here.