Drivers urged to buy common 50p item during heavy rain or risk £2,500 fine

This bizarre hack could keep your mirrors and windscreen free of excess water, making it safer to drive during wet weather.

Drivers have been urged to keep a cheap everyday item in the car to avoid fines of up to £2,500. It may sound strange but toothpaste could actually help keep your vehicle safe for driving in wet conditions.

Amid the wet weather the UK has been facing, experts have warned that wing mirrors heavily obscured by the rain could see you hit with hefty fines and even points on your licence. According to Ben Pitcher, car expert and owner of DPF Experts, you could face fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points on your driving licence if your vehicle is considered to be in a dangerous condition.

Ben explained: “Having clear and unobstructed wing mirrors is essential for safe driving. If a police officer determines that your vehicle's visibility is compromised, you could face fines of up to £2,500 and receive three penalty points on your licence.”

To avoid this issue he recommended keeping toothpaste on hand in the car. “This hack works with any toothpaste containing fluoride and guarantees your mirrors keep you safe during rainy conditions, preventing you from breaking vehicle condition laws,” he said.

But how does it work? Ben continued: "Toothpaste creates a smooth surface that allows raindrops to slide off rather than pooling on the mirror, which can obstruct a driver’s view and lead to safety hazards.”

He advised: "Before applying toothpaste, it's important to clean the mirror with a glass cleaner. This initial step removes any dirt, grime, or fingerprints, creating a clear surface for the toothpaste to work on. Having a clean mirror beforehand maximises the toothpaste’s effectiveness, creating a proper barrier against water."

Ben also revealed that applying toothpaste to the windscreen could prevent the windscreen from misting by reducing the surface tension of moisture, allowing for clearer visibility during heavy rain.

"This simple hack not only improves visibility in rain but can also be applied to headlights and leather seats,” he said. “By buffing cloudy headlights with toothpaste, drivers can enhance the brightness and clarity of their lights, improving nighttime visibility."

He recommended other household items for keeping mirrors and windscreens clear:

• Mixing a small amount of dish soap with water can create an effective solution for treating mirrors
• Most shampoos also contain surfactants that help spread water more effectively, making them useful for improving water repellency on mirrors
• Some shaving creams have similar surfactants that promote water beading. By applying a thin layer of shaving cream to your mirrors and then wiping it off, you can create a protective barrier against water
• Natural soaps, made from plant oils, also have surfactant properties as well. These can be diluted in water and used like the other products mentioned
• Most laundry detergents contain surfactants that can help with water repellency. A diluted solution of laundry detergent can also be used to treat mirrors effectively.

Toothpaste can be bought for as little as 50p a tube from Tesco.