Drivers are being warned about a common mistake in wintry conditions that could invalidate their insurance.
The warning comes as the North East experiences snowy conditions, with weather alerts in place across the region for Thursday and Friday. Insurance experts are reminding drivers that some common winter hacks could land you in a spot of trouble with the law, reports the Daily Record.
For example, turning your car on to heat it up while you go about your morning routine could see you fined and invalidated on insurance. Lorna Connelly, head of claims at Admiral Insurance, said: "A snow and ice weather warning will see additional challenges for motorists.
Read More: The rules if you can't get to work because of snow and if you'll still get paid
"We’ve all been there – rushing to start our journey and then finding that our car is frozen over so we blast the heating in the car while we run around trying to find the de-icer or ice scraper. But whatever you do, never abandon your car with the engine running and keys in the ignition.
"Stationary idling is an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and could leave you with a £20 fine and could even invalidate your insurance if an opportunistic car thief makes off with your vehicle."
Adding further advice, Lorna said: "If you’re manually removing any ice, don’t risk using boiling water or scrape the ice off using your bank card. Boiling water can crack your windscreen which could cause your car to fail its MOT if it’s within your eyeline."
Read Next:
RSPCA issues urgent warning to millions of dog owners as snow and freezing weather hits UK
Home heating 'tricks' that don't actually work and the ones that do, according to expert
Heating expert says £1 item could stop your boiler breaking down in cold weather
Drivers could face £2,500 fines for having hats, gloves and ice scrapers in car
