With the temperatures dipping and the mornings starting with a touch of frost, it is likely most drivers will have to take measures to ready their cars for early commutes.
Removing frost from a vehicle's windows is a regular task for motorists in the winter months and different people have different ways of carrying out the job.
However, AA AutoWindshields has pointed out this time of year can present an opportunity to would-be car thieves who prey on people leaving their vehicles unattended with the doors open as they try to ready their motors for their journey.
Indeed, new research carried out by the group, which is the AA's mobile windscreen fitting and glass repair service, has revealed 40 per cent of road users let their car's engine clear icy screens before they get behind the wheel.
While this might seem a good idea at the time, people may find their motor has been pinched if they head back into the house and leave the car running – even if this is for a matter of seconds.
AA AutoWindshields has therefore come up with a number of tips to ensure drivers can clear their windows without fear that thieves could be set to strike.
For people using de-icer or a scraper to get rid of the ice, the most effective way to do the job quickly and efficiently is to start the engine, turn on the heated rear screen and mirrors and allow the air conditioning to warm the window panes.
It is important that people remain within the car at all times when performing this task, however, while they should also refrain from hitting the road until the glass is completely free of frost.
Drivers may wish to bear in mind that if they do choose to pop back indoors during this job, it is unlikely their insurer will pay out on stolen cars left unattended.
To make sure their window panes are free of ice, motorists should use a plastic scraper and de-icer spray and make their way around the car, using the de-icer in a bottom-upwards direction, with particular attention required for the windscreen wipers.
Dean Hill, technician of the year at AA AutoWindshields, described frosty mornings as Christmas gifts for would-be thieves.
Mr Hill stated: "Keys are the weakest link in the car security chain and organised criminals are known to cruise suburbs looking for the telltale plume of steam rising from an exhaust and if the car is unattended, it takes only a few seconds for it to vanish.
"Unfortunately, car owners will also get a cold reception from their insurance company as loss by leaving keys in an unattended vehicle is specifically excluded from motor insurance policies."
The AA study included the views of 22,700 of its members and discovered that while 66 per cent of those questioned claimed they use a scraper and 45 per cent use de-icer or a combination of the two, 12 per cent of respondents admitted they sometimes set off when not all of the ice has been removed.