Winter Car Care and Christmas Gifts

Start the engine and stay with the car, put the heater on the screen with the fan on full, spray a de-icer such as SOFT99 Glaco Deicer, wait for the ice to soften, then push it off with a plastic scraper held flat. Leave the wipers off until the glass is clear. Our de-icing guide has every step.

No. A sudden change in temperature can crack the glass, and the water refreezes on the screen and the ground within minutes. Heat from inside and a proper de-icer are kinder to the glass.

A concentrate you can mix at its winter ratio, never plain water, which freezes in the bottle, pipes and jets. VP-UK Ceramic Screen Wash is mixed 1:5 for winter. See our screen wash range.

Wash it, then seal the paint and the wheels before the worst weather, so salt and grime are easier to wash off. AutoBead Spray Sealant is rated for up to 9 months on paint and Dodo Juice Wheeler Sealer for 2 to 4 months or more on wheels. Our guide to protecting your car in winter covers the full routine.

We avoid it: water can freeze in door seals and locks and on the ground beside the car. On a cold day, dry the door shuts and seals before you close up. With no hose to hand, Infinity Wax Zero Water works as a rinseless bucket wash.

Turn on the air conditioning, switch to fresh air and point the demister at the screen, then keep the inside of the glass clean with a glass cleaner such as CarPro Clarify and a dedicated glass cloth. Our steamed-up windows guide explains why it happens.

The contents stay a surprise. You pick the box value, from £20 to £200, and we fill it with detailing products and accessories from the range we stock, with a total RRP above the price you pay. It arrives in a plain box. Shop mystery boxes.

Yes. The Drivers HQ gift card comes as a physical card from £30 to £1,000, to spend in our Ilkeston store or online, and there is a digital gift card too. See gift cards.

Our Stocking Fillers for Car Lovers are car-themed extras at £10 and under: air fresheners, keyrings, flight tags, lanyards, stickers and small detailing brushes.

A detailing gift set or a mystery box. Our Car Detailing Gift Sets include brush sets, wash systems and bundles, and a gift card lets them choose for themselves.

Yes. Our Winter Clothing has over 70 hoodies from Late Brake Supply, EuroStance and Blossom Automotive, plus jackets, a gilet and knitted beanies. Every hoodie page has a size guide.