The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word ANTIFREEZE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
A
N
T
I
F
R
E
E
Z
E
More clues leading to the result ANTIFREEZE
- Fraternize with European replacing right dodgy additive
- Faint stirring with light wind eradicating black car chemical
- Soldier, perhaps, one with decoration, said to offer protection in the cooler
- Fez trainee refashioned – it’s useful in winter
- Not in favour of rigid price control that’s for winter motoring
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "it’s useful in winter" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case it’s useful in winter = antifreeze.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ANTIFREEZE mean?
ANTIFREEZE noun- A substance, such as glycol, used to lower the freezing point of water;
- Automotive antifreeze, a solution of ethylene glycol, used as an additive to water or replacement for water, in the radiators of motorcars.
- Deicer, a heated glycol solution used to remove ice from the aerodynamic surfaces of airplanes, and prevent icing while on the tarmac.