Clearview National December 2016 - Issue 181 | Page 6

INDUSTRYNEWS How to demist your windscreen fast »»DEMISTING YOUR windscreen is a necessity before setting off. Not doing so can impede your vision while driving which means you will be driving illegally, says the RAC. The cause of your car windscreen misting up is isn’t directly because of the cold air but actually down to water vapour in the atmosphere that occurs when your body heats the air inside the cabin – as does your breath – increasing the amount of moisture it can hold. This means when it comes into contact with your windscreen it cools and condenses, forming a ‘mist’. There are a few key things to remember when attempting to clear your windscreen that can help you clear it in double-quick time. If you’re windscreen is iced over, then the heat is obviously more necessary. But in this instance you might want to scrape the outside of your windscreen clear first. USE THE HEATER (CORRECTLY) Start the heater off cold, then slowly increase the temperature as the air dries out, rather than overloading the cabin with hot, ‘wet’ air. The heater will help you demist your windscreen if used correctly. Try to find a temperature and humidity that’s comfortable but doesn’t mist up the cabin. Make sure your heater’s blast is directed at the windscreen and the windows - the warmer air (even on cold the air will be warmer than the ice cold windscreen) will dry the glass a little through evaporation and begin to heat up the glass to stop the water vapour condensing on it again. USE THE AIR-CON (IF YOUR CAR HAS IT) Air conditioning is a helpful tool when trying to demist your windscreen. Use the air-con in conjunction with the heater. Hot air will dry the glass a little through evaporation and having the air-con on will keep the atmosphere inside dry. IF YOU DON’T HAVE AIR-CON OR CLIMATE CONTROL USE YOUR WINDOWS Driving along with the windows down could actually help clear the screen faster. Of course, you should never pull away with your vision impaired but if your windows start to mist up during driving this is a worthwhile tactic for those without air-con. This helps because the dry, rushing air from outside can help reduce the amount of water vapour inside the car, stopping the screen misting up. Get into gear for winter driving Winter is here, and it is important to be fully prepared for whatever the weather may do. With a wide range of products from Holts and Prestone, ensure your vehicle goes the distance as the colder months draw in. »»AS THE DAYS DARKEN, AND THE sun sits lower in the sky, it is vital that our vision is clear and unimpaired. Prestone’s Ready To Use Screen Wash has a high visibility, anti-glare and no streak formula - it removes dirt and salty deposits from your windscreens quickly and easily. ‘you won’t have to chip away at your windscreen’ With at least 3,900 road injuries per year as a result of traffic dazzle, Prestone’s anti-glare formula is an essential for winter driving safety. The formula has the ability to melt ice, so you can use in all manner of weathers without having to worry about freezing. 6 » DEC 2016 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M In the UK, sub-zero temperatures in winter are almost a given, making Holts De-Icer a must have product for all drivers. Developed and tested in the UK, Holt’s De-Icer removes frost, ice and snow in temperatures as low as -15°C, keeping your paintwork safe and with no dangerous refreeze. The fast-acting formula means you won’t have to chip away at your windscreen in the cold, allowing you to drive away quickly. Essential all year round, Tyreweld can come in particularly handy in the winter months. With no tools or jack needed, Tyreweld is the simple, quick and safe way to repair a puncture. Around 9 million cars get a puncture every year, which is approximately a quarter of cars on the road. So if you don’t fancy changing tyres in the snow or hail, Tyreweld is a safe alternative repair mechanism that will ensure you are back on the road in 90 seconds. www.holtsauto.com