Both experienced drivers and beginners will at some point have to fight against moisture in the car and a foggy windshield or side window. This is most often due to condensation during the winter months, which can be a constant frustration. This is especially true if it is an older car. When temperatures are often at their lowest, spending the morning wiping foggy car windows is no fun at all. As frustrating as it is, removing the condensation from the interior is a necessity. In addition, fogged up car windows impair visibility, making it dangerous to get behind the wheel. Luckily, there are various ways to solve the problem. Below are some of them, along with the causes of condensation and how to remove excess moisture from your car.
What causes condensation and moisture in the car?
Every fall through spring the same old problem occurs: condensation in the interior of the car. However, don't make the mistake of wiping the car window with paper towels, as this will only make it dirtier.Condensation occurs on windowsmostly when the temperature in your car differs from the outside temperature. Generally, condensation occurs overnight because the outside temperature is correspondingly lower. So if the windshield is covered in it and fogged up, it's because warm air from the car hits your windows, cools and condenses, turning water vapor into actual water. The same thing happens with body heat and breath when you sit indoors.
In fact, driving with a car window that is already fogged up can increase the amount of moisture in the car that the condensation can absorb, creating even more fogging. If it's just an occasional problem, recreating the conditions that cause a damp interior isn't necessarily easy to reproduce. This can make finding a solution really frustrating. If your vehicle's cabin is regularly wet, finding the source of the condensation in all the moisture in the car can also be a challenge. Luckily, there are several ways you can take care of condensation with a few simple steps. Defuse this confusing issue once and for all by preventing condensation from appearing in the car.
This is how you can get rid of condensation on car windows
When you're in a rush in the morning, the jumble of dials and switches on your car's heater only adds to the confusion. Condensation in your car is not only annoying, but also illegal if it prevents you from seeing the road clearly. This means you could end up with a fine and points on your driving license. This, in turn, could drive up your car insurance costs. So, find out below how you should deal with foggy car windows.
Use simple tricks and stop moisture in the car
- TheTurning on the car heateris a good starting point – assuming you use it correctly. Overloading the car's interior with hot, essentially "humid" air is what you want to avoid. Instead, start the heater cold and then slowly increase the temperature as the air dries out. The ideal is to find the balance between temperature and humidity so that the cabin does not fog up again. Also make sure that the direction of the heated air is towards the windshield and windows. The warmer air dries the glass, warming it and preventing water vapor from condensing further.
- If you have oneAir conditioningIf you have it in your car, you should turn it on too. Combined with the heater, the hot air dries the glass, and the air conditioning keeps things dry inside. If you don't have air conditioning or it's broken, you can also clear the windshield of condensation by opening the remaining windows. The dry, cold outside air reduces the water vapor and moisture in the car. This also prevents the windshield from fogging up. Once visibility is clear, you can turn the heating on to a comfortable level.
- This method also comes in handy if your windows start to fog up while you're driving. However, if the condensation is affecting your visibility too much, you should stop in a safe place and wait for the windows to clear before continuing your journey.
- The thing about condensation is that it likes to cling to all kinds of dirt, grime, and dust. To stop dirt-related fogging, you should use a high-quality window cleaner and aUse microfiber clothto dirty anddamp windows insideand wipe the outside.
- You can also add an extra layer of protection by using theClean car window with shaving foam. It's the same thing that ice hockey players use to prevent their visors from fogging up during the game. You'll have to do this repeatedly, but a windshield cleaned with shaving cream is less likely to be affected by condensation.
More tips to prevent fogged up car windows
Do not leave wet items or food inside your vehicle. As you have already read, condensation forms due to additional moisture in the air. If your car is equipped with wet towels, raincoats, or umbrellas, these can also cause fogging. Therefore, ensure that such textiles remain indoors to reduce the likelihood of condensation. By the way, you should also take action against musty and damp smells in this way.
If your car seats or carpets get wet, you should also respond as quickly as possible. You can do this by leaving the car's heater running and the windows slightly open. The heat dries out the moisture in the fabric, while the open car windows allow the water vapor to escape. Even coffee cups and empty water bottles can add to the problem. The remaining liquid in these containers evaporates on warmer days and comes into contact with the cold from the windows, which in turn creates moisture in the car. So be sure to empty your car of any trash if you think it might be causing the problem.
Check for leaks and remove excess moisture in the car
Leaks that have developed in your car over time can also cause condensation, the cause of which is difficult to identify. Condensation can appear anywhere from the heater matrix to the doors and sunroof seal. However, if your vehicle has a leak, it can be difficult to know where it is coming from. In such cases, a trained mechanic can help. Be aware, however, that finding a leak can be a case of having to completely disassemble a cart. This can be costly, especially if your car is getting a bit old.
Additionally, older vehicles are more prone to leaks and are more likely to develop a leak after six or seven years. If you've tried all of the above and your car is still producing moisture, you should look for a moisture absorber. Things like portable dehumidifiers should do the trick, but you might as well fill an old pair of pantyhose with kitty litter (fresh, of course). If you don't like the smell, consider looking for unscented options.
