CHEAP HOUSEHOLD items costing just a few pounds could save drivers from thousands of pounds in fines this winter, reveals a motoring expert.
With foggy windscreens, ice and snowfall becoming everyday problems, Ammar Jafer, CEO of Dubai car rental company Speedy Machine, says most winter driving fines aren’t about speeding at all – they’re about poor visibility and lack of control, both of which can be fixed cheaply and easily.
“Winter mornings put drivers under pressure,” Jafer says. “When you’re late and it’s freezing, it’s easy to ignore small things that end up costing a lot of money.”
Here are some of the lowest-cost winter car hacks he recommends – and the fines they could help drivers avoid.
Tea bags, old socks and a microfibre cloth – the under-£2 visibility kit that prevents £1,000 fines
Poor visibility is one of the most common reasons drivers are fined in winter, with misted windscreens or fogged mirrors carrying penalties of up to £1,000 if police decide a driver’s view
is impaired – even when the glass only looks slightly cloudy.
But there’s one simple trick to avoid condensation – and it’s very cheap. “Tea bags sound odd, but they do work,” Jafer says. “They soak up damp air overnight, so when you open the door in the morning, there’s less fog to deal with. It won’t replace demisting, but it buys you time – and that’s what stops people rushing.”
For outside visibility, he recommends covering wing mirrors with old socks overnight. “People forget how much they rely on mirrors,” Jafer adds. “If they’re fogged or iced over, you’re not properly in control.”
Jafer also says drivers should keep a microfibre cloth in the glovebox. “If the glass still looks hazy, a quick wipe before you move off can save you a lot of trouble,” he says.
Soft broom or brush – prevents £2,500 snow fines
Snow left on a car roof can slide forward when you brake or peel off into traffic, leading to fines of up to £2,500 if it puts others at risk.
“Most people think once they can see, they’re fine,” Jafer says. “They clear a small patch on the windscreen and forget the rest of the car. But snow on the roof is one of the most dangerous things you can leave behind in winter.”
He explains that a sudden stop can send a sheet of snow straight down the windscreen or into the car behind. Keeping a soft brush by the front door makes it quick to clear the roof properly – and avoids a mistake that can carry serious penalties.
Spare pair of flat shoes – avoids £1,000 fines and penalty points
Bulky winter boots might feel sensible when it’s cold outside, but they can cause problems once you’re behind the wheel. Thick soles and stiff shapes make it harder to feel the pedals properly – which can slow braking or lead to clumsy gear changes.
While wearing winter boots isn’t illegal on its own, Jafer says they’ve been a factor in cases where drivers were fined close to £1,000 and even picked up penalty points.
“Footwear affects your reaction time far more than people realise,” he explains. “If your boots make you brake late or slip off a pedal, police can argue you weren’t fully in control of the vehicle – and that’s when it becomes a serious issue.”
His advice is simple: keep a cheap pair of trainers in the boot. “Changing shoes before you drive takes seconds,” Jafer adds, “but it can make a huge difference to how safely – and smoothly – you’re in control of the car.”
