It’s snow joke: 1 in 6 risk car theft while they defrost their car

Posted in: Driving Tips, News.

• On average, almost 1 in 6 people risk their car being stolen by leaving the engine running while they defrost their car
• Scottish residents are the most trusting, with almost a quarter (23%) of people willing to leave their car with the engine running
• Only 1 in 10 drivers in London would leave their car unattended

AA research has found that almost 1 in 6 drivers (16%) risk their car being stolen by leaving the engine running while they defrost their car.

They’ve released a new animated video [insert link] offering steps on how people can easily and quickly defrost their windscreens without risking their car being stolen.

Always remember – it’s vital that you stay with your car while the keys are in the ignition and it’s heating up.

• Scottish drivers seem to be the most trusting, with almost a quarter (23%) of people willing to leave their car with the engine running.
• Only 1 in 10 Londoners would do the same

The video also looks at how to avoid damaging your car and wipers while defrosting it – after 14% of AA panel members risk scratching their windscreen by using a credit card.

You’re also running the risk of a cracked windscreen if you use boiling water to clear it – luckily, only 2% of AA Panel Members said they do this.

However, 23% of drivers said they’d use warm water on their windscreen, which also carries the risk of cracking the glass if it already has a small chip or crack.

Our survey found that young people (aged 18-24) are more than twice as likely to use boiling water as the general population.

The AA’s advice page answers the most popular questions, including:

• The best ways to quickly and easily defrost your car.
• Why boiling water is a definite no-no for defrosting your windscreen.
• How you could risk ripped windscreen wipers and frozen door handles by using warm water.
• How to prevent frost before it starts.
• How to keep your car safe and secure during defrosting.

You can check out the AA’s latest video surrounding getting your windscreen clean and clear here: https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/seasonal/defrosting-car-windscreen

Tags: It’s snow joke: 1 in 6 risk car theft while they defrost their car