To think people can defrost their cars without running their engine all morning?

[shinysnowman]

I start work in a couple of hours. I have been awake since 5am, due to a steady flow of neighbours who have sat in their car with their engine running, one actually revving their engine constantly, waiting for their car to defrost. The first at 5am, each for a good 15 minutes each. It's been the same every day this week.

Don't people scrape their cars anymore? Is it wrong for me to be annoyed and think that they are being inconsiderate?

(Apologies to those with DC who are dragged up with them at this time!)

They won't steal my car believe me

making unnecessary noise at 5:30am.

What is 'unnecessary' about preparing your car to be driven, safely, to work, in the most expedient manner possible? It's a car engine, not Concorde fgs.

Is someone mowing their lawn at lunchtime also 'unnecessary' if I am a shift worker trying to sleep?

caerphilly.observer/news/982523/police-issue-warning-after-two-vans-and-a-car-stolen/

Vauxhall Corsa and a Transit amongst those listed

These are opportunists..they'll steal any car for scrap. Doesn't have to have a value.

Or we can do the typical MN thing and refuse to listen to anyone quoting facts or talking sense.

I do think however there are some people who are in major denial that their actions could inconvenience another, because of the magical words of "going to work" which trump everyone else's rights.

Denial of what? It IS shit having to go out on a cold dark morning. Nobody is denying that!

But you are weirdly obsessed with saying people are being somehow deliberately noisy and dragging out their preparations because of some equally peculiar "right" or to prove a point or 'get back' at those not having to do the same? People everywhere are just getting on with their day (whenever it starts) as fast and efficiently as they can, for everyone's benefit.

You have a very odd view of people if you think anyone acts in the way you are imagining.

I honestly don’t give a shit if I hear people defrosting their car. It’s part of life. Don’t understand how people can get worked up about it. I used to have to set off for work at 3am. What was I supposed to do?

A jug of barely tepid water on front windscreen then one on the back will clear the ice and won't crack your windscreens.

So when I'm parked in the next street I'll lug 2 jugs of water with me as well as my bags?

So when I'm parked in the next street I'll lug 2 jugs of water with me as well as my bags?

I do this all the time. I never realised I was some kind of epic hero just thought it was basic consideration (I have a plastic jug - chuck half on the front and half on the back). Surely it beats sitting around in your car chugging out fumes like a moron?

I did the hot water bottle trick in my car this morning - amazing! Left it there for about 15 minutes, windscreen was totally clear inside and out, then put it into my husband's car ready for him to go to work (we work about 20 miles apart so drive separately). The best bit was that the inside was completely dry. That's my winter mornings sorted!

If your parked on the street please don’t throw water over the car when it is still sub zero. Makes a nice ice skating ring for everyone else!

I do this all the time. I never realised I was some kind of epic hero just thought it was basic consideration (I have a plastic jug - chuck half on the front and half on the back). Surely it beats sitting around in your car chugging out fumes like a moron?

You lost any moral high ground the minute you called me a moron.

You will need to carry some grit and salt ( or at least salt ) to sprinkle on ground so that the water from the jug/s doesn't form an icy puddle .

No gindaddy, you have no idea where I live. I promise you noone will steal my car.

@TheOrigFV45

I'll try and find the link (as helpfully I can't remember which way round it needs to be) but there is a position to leave the vents overnight which should help with the misting inside.

@MoreMoneyPlease

Great post - I too have tried this and it works.

It's a shame others completely dismiss alternatives because they automatically assume their way is the best way.

I tried it this morning and it didn't work, still had a lot of ice on the front of the windscreen. Not sure what I am doing wrong.

As if any normal person wants to get up early to de ice and demist their car, try doing it after a 10hr night shift as well! Some people just like to complain.
I use a chamois leather cloth to wipe the inside of my windscreen, it speeds things up a little and doesn't smear. Check every single window is fully closed before leaving overnight too, as that might be a reason for ice on the inside, if you have a back window open a crack.

I can't find the info on the vent position - but I think it may be leave them open.

Some tips if you suffer with condensation -

Fill a pair of tights with cat litter and leave in your car - this will help absorb excess moisture. Trust us on this one. Switch on your blower and A/C, and wipe down your windows. Or buy a cheap moisture trap.

Don't leave damp cloths in the car after you've wiped the screen, this will cause moisture in the car.

One thing this thread has taught me is that heated front and rear windscreens are on my "must have" list for whenever I have to get a new car now!

I’ve bought one of those dehumidifier bags mentioned earlier in the thread this morning - fingers crossed it will help a bit.

I hate this as well, it’s totally inconsiderate to pedestrians who have to breathe in the fumes. And atrocious for the environment. And don’t get me started on cars being parked on the pavements!

You DO have a choice as to how to defrost your car. You and dozens of others on this thread have not acknowledged that

Seriously? You actually have no idea how I defrost my car nor am I going to be an apologist for myself or everyone on this thread. Sadly I do not own a defrosting car and even with my dehumidifier bag and my water etc I do still need to turn on my car and sometimes have to scrape it in order to be able to drive it safely.

Attitudes like yours help no one and instead provoke a fuck you attitude in response.

@TheHodgeOfTheHedge

Wow.

I do think however there are some people who are in major denial that their actions could inconvenience another, because of the magical words of "going to work" which trump everyone else's rights.

Given the topic, a nigh on immutable fact of physics, that made me chuckle!

Pshaw!

I do this and couldn't care who it bothers. I'm too short to properly reach the whole windscreen so I spray de-icer and run the engine.

Can't reach the whole of the inside of the windscreen either so let the de-misters do it. Stops it getting smeary too.

If you don't want your kids to breathe car fumes, go live on a mountain.

@Spudlet (and others)

I have one of these which helps a lot.

www.lakeland.co.uk/24575/Dashboard-Dehumidifier