Portholing is an insane winter driving myth that can leave you with a $1,000 fine – A/C trick needed to avoid it

Drivers have received warnings about a winter driving myth known as “portholing” that carries a $1,000 fine.

To assist you avoid the costly and risky error, experts have given a crucial air conditioning tip.

Snowstorms have blanketed much of the country throughout Thanksgiving week, causing travel mayhem.

While large portions of the Midwest have experienced lows in the 20s, temperatures in the far north have dipped as low as 5F.

The frigid weather presents its own set of difficulties for drivers.

A windscreen with a thick layer of ice developed on it is one of the most unpleasant sights on a chilly morning.

In sub-zero temperatures, this occurs when water in the air condenses onto the cold glass and then freezes there.

In the past, you would have to stand for a very long time using an ice scraper.

However, a lot of drivers have developed their own techniques to remove the ice more quickly and easily.

Some of these, like the $10 kitchen essential that Reddit people were crazy over, work quite well.

However, others may be costly, ineffectual, or even harmful.

“Portholing” is one of these shady fixes, in which you just remove the portion of the windshield in front of the driver’s seat, leaving a circular porthole for visibility.

This could save you some time, but it’s not safe because you need to see the road properly, which requires the entire width of the windscreen to be clear.

Lawmakers appear to agree, and depending on the state, failure to adequately clear your view might result in a fine of up to $1,000.

This also applies to windows and mirrors.

Thankfully, most cars have a built-in way to use the air conditioner to beat the freeze.

Air conditioning is essential in the winter to keep fresh air flowing through the automobile, but most people only think of it as a method to stay cool in the summer.

Additionally, it has the ability to both heat and chill air.

Nowadays, a windshield heater button is included on the dashboard of almost every modern automobile.

Pressing this melts the ice underneath the glass by directing a blast of hot air toward the interior.

For the same reason, many models also feature rear windscreen heaters.

While you wait for it to operate, you can always turn it on, go in, and warm up with your morning coffee before comfortably leaving.