Latest news with #BenPitcher
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Drivers can banish condensation with £1 kitchen item kept in the car
Tea bags might not be the first thing that springs to mind when thinking about driving, but DPF Experts says they can help you avoid a fine - and even a crash. UK drivers are being urged to keep an surprising item in their car - tea bags. It may seem odd, but experts claim it could help you avoid a hefty fine. Ben Pitcher, a car specialist at DPF Experts, suggests placing tea bags on the dashboard. The aim is to minimise condensation and maintain clear windscreens during damp or cold weather. He said: "Tea bags, especially black or green tea, are natural moisture absorbers. Placing them in your car can help reduce condensation, especially in colder months." While not as effective as commercial dehumidifiers, tea bags are definitely a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. And given the unpredictable British weather, they could be a wise choice. "Though they aren't as powerful as professional dehumidifiers, they're a cheap, eco-friendly solution for tackling minor dampness," he added. Fogged-up windows might appear harmless, but they can lead to serious repercussions, reports the Mirror. This accumulation of moisture can obstruct a driver's view and result in fines if not properly cleared. By soaking up surrounding moisture, tea bags could help stop the glass from completely fogging up. "Silica gel packets, commonly found in packaging, are excellent at absorbing moisture," Pitcher added. These little sachets can be tucked away in the corners of the car for extra protection. "Collecting a few and placing them around your car can help control condensation. While they won't clear foggy windows instantly, they can help reduce moisture and keep your windscreen clearer for longer," he added. However, neglecting to ensure clear visibility can have serious consequences. According to the Highway Code, drivers are responsible for keeping their windows and demisters in good working condition. Annex 6 explicitly states that "Windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision." This means that any condensation or misting that hinders visibility must be cleared before you set off. Failure to comply with the rule can result in severe penalties. Tim Alcock, an expert from warns that drivers who neglect to fully demist their windscreen before driving may face fines of up to £2,500 for violating the Highway Code. He said: "Don't be tempted to just leave a small gap to see what is directly in front, as you could still be fined for careless driving by not being able to see the full road view ahead. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. "There are several things drivers can do to speed up the demisting to avoid driving with foggy windows." A handful of tea bags might just be the cheapest fix. The advice comes on the back of drivers being told the humble potato can also banish condensation quickly. Simply cut a tattie in half and run the exposed inner surface onto glass. The starch in in helps repel moisture, preventing condensation from forming.
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers urged to carry £1 kitchen item in the car to avoid £2,500 fine
Motorists are being urged to carry a common household item to prevent foggy windscreens and avoid a hefty £2,500 fine for obstructed vision Motorists across the UK are being encouraged to keep a surprising item in their car, tea bags. While it might sound unusual, experts say it could help prevent a fine. Ben Pitcher, a motoring specialist at DPF Experts, recommends placing tea bags on the dashboard. The goal is to reduce condensation and keep windscreens clear during damp or chilly weather. He explains: "Tea bags, especially black or green tea, are natural moisture absorbers. Placing them in your car can help reduce condensation, especially in colder months." Though not as potent as commercial dehumidifiers, tea bags are certainly a more affordable and eco-conscious option. And in unpredictable British weather, they could be a smart move. "Though they aren't as powerful as professional dehumidifiers, they're a cheap, eco-friendly solution for tackling minor dampness," he added. Fogged-up windows may seem harmless, but they can lead to serious consequences. This moisture build-up can obscure a driver's view and result in fines if it's not addressed properly. By absorbing ambient moisture, tea bags may help prevent the glass from misting over entirely. "Silica gel packets, commonly found in packaging, are excellent at absorbing moisture," Pitcher added. These little sachets can be tucked away in the corners of the car for extra protection. "Collecting a few and placing them around your car can help control condensation. While they won't clear foggy windows instantly, they can help reduce moisture and keep your windscreen clearer for longer," he said. The Highway Code is clear about the importance of visibility. Annex 6 outlines the responsibilities drivers have to keep various parts of their vehicle, including windows and demisters, in working order. It states: 'Windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision.' This means any moisture or misting that obscures the view must be dealt with before driving. Tim Alcock, from issued a stark warning about the cost of neglecting this basic rule. 'Drivers should always make sure to completely demist their windscreens before setting off or risk being slapped with a fine of up to £2,500 for breaking the Highway Code,' he explained. 'Don't be tempted to just leave a small gap to see what is directly in front, as you could still be fined for careless driving by not being able to see the full road view ahead.' He added that preparation is key to safe driving during colder spells. 'There are several things drivers can do to speed up the demisting to avoid driving with foggy windows.' A handful of tea bags might just be the cheapest fix.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Drivers urged to put tea bags in car to prevent huge problem as winter ends
As we approach the end of winter, motorists are being advised to pop a tea bag or two into their vehicles, utilising this common kitchen item for an important purpose. Placing tea bags inside the car can absorb moisture, thus cutting down on condensation that forms on windows and windscreens. Acting as a homemade dehumidifier, these tea bags help prevent steam from building up, allowing drivers to hit the road quicker without having to wait for the glass to demist — a frequent issue during chilly mornings which often persists into March's latter part. Ben Pitcher, a motoring expert at DPF Experts, once shared this nifty tip, encouraging drivers to take precautionary measures when driving. Read more: Marks & Spencer £45 top has unusual name but 'looks really trendy' He explained: "Tea bags, especially black or green tea, are natural moisture absorbers. Placing them in your car can help reduce condensation, especially in colder months." Despite not being as effective as commercial dehumidifiers, he notes they're an affordable, green alternative for minor dampness issues. Underlining the importance of visibility, the Highway Code mandates that "windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision". The Code also necessitates that all key elements like lights, brakes, steering, and safety systems such as seat belts and demisters remain in working order. Ignoring such regulations can result in serious safety hazards, potentially leading to harsh fines up to £2,500 or penalty points on a motorist's licence. Ben highlighted that tea bags aren't the only remedy for dampness in cars, as silica gel packets offer a great alternative. He mentioned: "Silica gel packets, commonly found in packaging, are excellent at absorbing moisture." He suggested: "Collecting a few and placing them around your car can help control condensation. While they won't clear foggy windows instantly, they can help reduce moisture and keep your windscreen clearer for longer." Experts from Leasing Options have shared additional domestic tips to prevent vehicle condensation, such as using cat litter in tights, applying washing up liquid on car windows, and using shaving foam. They also recommended filling Tupperware containers with coarse salt as an effective method. The experts noted that salt is highly effective at absorbing water from its surroundings, making it an ideal solution.
