I tested a cheap car de-icing gadget from Amazon in the winter cold – here’s how it fared

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Be wary of scam gadgets with spurious claims.
• This electromagnetic device did not remove snow.
• Focus on de-icers, scrapers, and windshield covers.

Sometimes I'm rather impressed by the ingenuity of those in the business of making scammy gadgets. Over the years, I've examined a wide range of products, from scam devices that claim to save you money on your power bill to a high-power USB charger filled with an unusual goo-like substance.

Also: Want to cut your electric bill? Skip these scam ‘power-saving' devices – and buy this instead 

The most recent scammy gadget that came across my workbench was an “advanced electromagnetic antifreeze snow removal device.” A relative of a friend of mine bought the device, wondered why it didn't do what it claimed, and it ended up in my hands. 

Let's take a look at the device. Its box makes a lot of promises, from using “active electron interference” to preventing water from condensing and icing on your windshield, to claiming it does not interfere with or affect the human brain.

Physically, the gadget is a tiny black box with a switch and micro USB port on the side, self-adhesive tape on the bottom, and a blue LED that blinks occasionally (which is a bit of an issue for me, as having blue lights flashing in a vehicle in the UK is going to draw unwanted attention from the police).  

Giving the gadget far more benefit of the doubt than it deserved, I left it in the car overnight on a frosty evening.

Also: Why I keep this Bluetooth tracker tag on my keychain instead of an AirTag – and don't regret it

Unfortunately, the device did nothing.

Interestingly, the solar panel does actually work and recharges the little battery.

Then I tore the device open, which fell apart easily. There was a tiny circuit board inside, a tiny battery, a tiny solar panel, an LED, a chip to make the LED blink and control battery charging, and that was it. 

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No active electron beams and no advanced electromagnetic death rays. And no risk of brain interference.

It's a box that has a blinking LED inside. And the device costs about $10. 

Here's what I recommend you do instead 

If you want to defrost your car, use a decent de-icer and a scraper. If snow is a problem for you, I highly recommend getting a windshield cover. And if you have problems with condensation inside a vehicle, then a cordless vacuum squeegee is the tool you need. You can also use this tool to clean your windows and mirrors at home. 

What you don't need is a “Shou” doodad.