General Chat

I have not tried it not having a car. But it does sound as if it will work.

Frosty mornings
Experts from Windscreen Wipers have identified a simple pantry staple that 'works wonders' for winter car care. The team revealed that ordinary white vinegar is a powerful tool against the cold. It can melt existing ice, but more importantly, it can stop the frost from sticking if applied correctly.
The recipe is straightforward. The experts advise: "Simply combine 125ml of white vinegar with 375ml of water in a 500ml spray bottle."
You can mist this solution over your car the evening before a cold snap, or use it in the morning to rapidly dissolve a frozen layer, they told
The science behind the hack is simple, as the Windscreen Wipers team explained: "The acetic acid in the vinegar helps lower the freezing point of water, making it harder for ice to form."

I saw that one, but what would the vinegar do to the rubber wiper blades?

That is a very good question. I don't know the answer. :-)

I was wondering more about the vinegar acid on the car bodywork, but as it's dilute, I don't suppose it is much worse that other things picked up from the air or road spray.

You used to be able to buy sprays of 'night before de-icer' which worked very well, in a similar way.

Vinegar shouldn't damage the wiper blades the odd times you use it, but you can always give the windscreen a water rinse. We have an additive in the screenwash bottle which helps stop freezing.

I hadn’t thought as far down as the body work. Of course, any vinegar on the windscreen is going to spray onto the bonnet when the wipers are able to move.

I expect if you do it with care it would be ok, but there are too many out there that don’t have the patience or care first thing in the morning.

I always wipe my skirting boards with diluted vinegar and spray the glass in the porch and outside glass of the kitchen door with it and put some in the water when the windows are cleaned too - the creepies and flies don’t like it. :-D