Dealing with our cars during the winter is never an easy job, but placing a familiar household item on your windscreen could help you sidestep a lot of hassle during the chilly month of December. As temperatures start to drop, we're all beginning to see frost and ice accumulating on our motors and cars, but the AA (Automobile Association) says there's a straightforward method to dodge the issue.

A tip has been revealed to assist motorists in stopping frost from building up on their vehicles overnight, and it requires covering the windscreen with an ordinary household essential. You might not realise it, but this basic material could make your mornings considerably smoother throughout the winter period when the temperature falls.

Advice was also issued a few weeks back. It turns out there are simple ways to defrost your car in the mornings.

• 'Best car of the year' named after beating Ford and Audi: Everything you need to know


• Green Flag tells drivers to press 1 button to clear windscreen condensation fast

The AA websiteexplains: "You can stop a windscreen freezing in the first place with a little forward planning. If you have a garage, use it in winter because it'll stop your car from getting iced-up.

"If you don't have a garage, park your car on your driveway as close as possible to your home. The heat from your home can help to stop ice forming. Put a shield across your windscreen to stop it getting icy. A piece of cardboard works well for this."

Previously, motorists have shared the trick on Reddit, with numerous drivers claiming it works brilliantly after giving it a go. Whilst you might typically chuck old cardboard into the recycling bin, it appears holding onto it could prove incredibly handy for stopping frost forming on your motor.

The subject arose when one social media user enquired: "Tips [for] keeping frost off your windshield? As I prepare for my first winter as a car owner, I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to prevent frost build-up on the windshield?"

One individual responded: "You can put a towel or cardboard or something similar on the windshield in the evening and remove it when you need to drive. You will of course have a frosty towel to deal with."

Another chimed in with: "Piece of cardboard. Keep one in the trunk for this." Someone else suggested a different approach, commenting: "Yep, I sometimes throw an old blanket, or a few old sheets on when I think of it at night."

Should you lack a windscreen protector, it's constantly useful to have a bit of cardboard to hand. It could prove extremely beneficial throughout the chillier months.

Should you be unaware, you can place cardboard on your windscreen to avoid frost forming. Simply bear in mind it's essential to use a dry section of robust cardboard and fasten it firmly using the wipers.

Through doing this, you'll prevent it from getting soggy and sticking to the glass. Whilst employing a shop-bought windshield cover tends to be a more reliable option, cardboard can still do the job if you haven't got one to hand.

Avoid using thin materials like newspaper, which will absorb moisture and freeze to the windscreen. It's also crucial to ensure it's completely dry before use.

No matter what method you employ, it's vital to clear your windscreen to make sure your car is safe to drive. The AA warns: "If you're hurrying to get to work or do the school run, it can be tempting to drive off as soon as the ice has cleared a little.

"But this could dangerously obstruct your view of the road if there's still ice or mist on your windscreen. In fact, you can get a £100 fine and three points on your licence if you drive with obscured vision."