It’s annoying when your car windows fog up, but it can also be dangerous. In this blog we look at whether it is possible to prevent your car windows from fogging up and the fastest ways to clear them.
If you want to stop your car windows from fogging up, it’s a good idea to understand what makes them fog up in the first place.
Why Do Car Windows Fog Up?
Windows fog up when there are different temperature and moisture levels inside and outside your car. This is why it’s more common for windows to fog up in the winter as your windscreen will get cold when you drive in low temperatures but you are more likely to have your car heating on. When warm air inside your car hits a cool windscreen, any water vapour it contains can condense into fog.
Have you ever noticed how your windows can fog up shortly after you get into your car? That’s probably because your body’s emitting heat, which will warm up the air in the car and cause condensation to form on your windows. Your breath, too, can lead to a buildup of condensation, which is why your windows may fog up over the course of a journey.
The Quickest Way To Clear Your Windscreen
- Point your car’s heaters at the windscreen, and set the heating to the windscreen setting. This should look like a rectangle with a few wavy arrows pointing at it.
- Turn on your heater, but not fully. The aim is to gradually increase the heat and the power, in order to reach the ideal humidity level inside your car.
- Use your car’s air conditioning at the same time as the heater, as this will help to keep your car’s interior air dry. In dry air, moisture will be less likely to settle and condense on your windows.
- If your car hasn’t got air conditioning, open your windows a little while your heater runs. The heater will warm up your car’s interior, while the windows will help this warm air circulate while also reducing the humidity levels.
For more detailed tips, you can read our full guide to demisting your windscreen.
How To Stop Car Windows Fogging Up
- Keep your car clean and tidy. Clean your car’s windows as often as possible, as any lingering dirty and grime will only give the moisture something to cling to. Also avoid keeping any empty bottles, cans, coffee cups, or food wrappers in your car. Over time, these may contribute to the moisture levels inside your car.
- Get a car cover. Want to avoid having to demist your car’s windows every morning in winter? Then cover your car whenever it’s not in use. This will make it less likely that condensation and ice will build up overnight, and it may also help to keep your windows a bit warmer, which can prevent fogging once you start running your car.
- Use reusable car dehumidifiers. These dehumidifiers absorb excess moisture from the air inside a vehicle using moisture-absorbing materials (such as silica gel), which can later be dried out and reused to continue removing humidity.
- Get your car serviced. If you’re having serious problems with condensation, then it may be worth booking your car in for a service. A trained mechanic can look for leaks or broken seals in and around your car’s doors, windows, or sunroof, which may be contributing to the buildup of moisture.
Get Total Peace Of Mind On The Road
To avoid getting stranded in the cold and the dark in the event of a breakdown, consider adding RAC breakdown cover when you buy your comprehensive car insurance.
