WE’VE all been there – it’s a cold, cold morning, you’re running late for work or school, and the windscreen is frozen solid. You run back into the house, grab the boiling-hot kettle and use it to clear your view in seconds.

However, new research has revealed how motorists are putting their vehicle at risk of damage by using the age-old technique of pouring boiling water on windows to de-ice them.

The tactic, according to experts, causes a sharp change in temperature on the surface of the glass which can cause cracks, chips, or even completely shatter the windscreen.

A new survey by online auction site eBay said almost one in five UK motorists (19%) admit to using the kettle technique to clear their windscreen on an icy morning, while almost half might be damaging their vehicles with unconventional methods of defrosting.

As well as the kettle users, around 30% of drivers said they rely on their windscreen wipers to scrape away ice, which can put unnecessary strain on the wiper motor and tear or blunt the rubber blades.

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The survey also revealed that a significant proportion of drivers are taking risks before they even set off, with around 18% of drivers admitting they are comfortable leaving their engine running to warm up and defrost the car, while 15% said they would walk away and carry out other tasks while the vehicle is left idling and unattended.

As well as increasing the risk of theft, leaving a running vehicle unattended is illegal, in breach of Rule 123 of the Highway Code. Drivers caught doing it could face a fine.

Abir Tewari, UK Director of parts and accessories at eBay, said: “Following the first cold snap of the season, we’re seeing motorists use a range of methods to clear their windscreens – some more effective and safer than others.

“It is vital drivers prepare their vehicles properly for challenging winter conditions.”