Car made from ice starts first time

The fact that motorists in Canada have continued to drive as temperatures plunge to 30 degrees below zero is testament to the remarkable engineering of the modern car.

The arctic conditions prompted one car battery manufacturer to demonstrate the efficiency of its products by building a pick-up truck out of ice. The 4x4 was greener than most – although it weighed as much as a lorry and its life was short, its bodywork was entirely biodegradable and simply melted away after it had been filmed.

Flat batteries are the most common cause of car breakdowns over the winter months. A battery can be at the end of its life by its fifth birthday, so it is wise to get it checked by your local garage. As a fallback, check that you have car breakdown cover in place.