Here's the fastest way to defrost your car windscreen according to a former NASA engineer

If you're looking for the best way to defrost your car as the winter weather settles in, a former NASA engineer has some advice for you.

The cold winter weather has arrived and commuters across Scotland and the UK are spending mornings scraping down car windows.

Whether using newspaper, de-icing spray or snapping your credit card in an attempt to scrape ice off your windscreen, there is an easier way to get your car ready to go.

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With more than 12.9 million views since the video was first posted in 2016, ex-NASA engineer and YouTube star Mark Rober has shared his top tips on how to defrost car windows using the power of science - four simple steps.

How to defrost your car windscreen quickly

Step 1

Turn ON the heater at full blast - hot air can hold more moisture.

Step 2

Turn ON the air conditioning - this will help soak up the remaining moisture from the air.

Step 3

Turn OFF inside air circulation - winter air doesn’t have much absorption so keep it outside the car.

Step 4

Open the windows ever so slightly - for a few seconds, this will help exchange humidity in the car for the dry air outside.

Other ways to defrost your car

If that’s too ordinary, and you’re a fan of MacGyver, Rober also has methods involving cat litter and shaving foam. The full six-and-a-half minute video explains the science behind the four steps.

In addition, the YouTuber also endorses methods from fans such as opening the windows and doors to your car for around 30 seconds when you leave the car for the night. This helps reduce the condensation which builds overnight by removing the water which was present from hot air such.

Many drivers spend too much time defrosting their cars in the mornings. Many drivers spend too much time defrosting their cars in the mornings.
Many drivers spend too much time defrosting their cars in the mornings.

Rober was an engineer at NASA for nine years, seven of which were spent working on the Curiosity Rover, as well as working at Apple as a special products designer. He is also the founder of educational technology company CrunchLabs, which make hands-on STEM learning experiences for children.

Happy windscreen-clearing!

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