This contribution may be timely as the mild winter weather we've been enjoying finally gives way to the inevitable...

With several family cars to look after, limited garage space and living in a relatively cold area, over the years I've tried just about every trick in the book to keep everyone mobile through the most severe conditions. Halfords products, while not necessarily the cheapest, have generally proved helpful additions to my armoury. Unfortunately this spray isn't one of them!

Perhaps if I'd seen some of the reviews published recently I might have known better. But I was tempted by a Halfords 'multibuy' offer a couple of years ago and still have two of these gathering dust and taking up valuable shelf space. Despite following the instructions on several occasions, I can't say this has ever lived up to its claim to prevent the build up of ice overnight.

Reading carefully, I see this product claims to prevent ice from bonding to the windscreen. It is supposed to achieve this by forming 'a temporary coating that absorbs condensation'. As far as I can judge, it doesn't actually prevent ice forming.

~~Our experience to date~~

So far, I've been quite disappointed. This spray was supposed to eliminate the need for conventional de-icer and make early starts in winter 'quick & easy', just using the wipers or a cloth instead of scraping etc. But on several frosty mornings this does not seem to have worked, ice has still formed and I've had to resort to more traditional methods.

Experience suggests the money would be better spent on other solutions, including Halfords concentrated de-icer spray and maybe their lock de-icer, both of which seem quite effective. That's assuming, of course, garage space isn't available - or perhaps even a windscreen cover(?)

~~Further tests?~~

I may just give this one more try, as the nights are set to get distinctly colder, and will update this review if appropriate. According to the blurb, the product 'will not freeze at -25°C.' We'll see... Interestingly, Halfords state that this product was 'Originally formulated for use by the Armed Forces in extreme arctic conditions'. Is it just conceivable that it only works in such extreme conditions? On second thoughts, let's hope we don't have to put this to the test any time soon!

~~Availability & price~~

Halfords are currently selling this 500ml spray for £2.99.

~~Verdict~~

The money might be better spent on traditional de-icers and scrapers. (Wrap up well!)

~~Advantages~~

* None for me

~~Disadvantages~~

* Waste of time and money

~~Related links~~

* www.halfords.com

[© SteveS001 2011. A version of this original review may appear on other review sites]