October 26th, 2018 by Chris Chapman

One of the most annoying things about winter driving is the condensation that forms on your windscreen. When the weather is cold, it can be a bit of a chore to wipe away condensation every time you want to drive anywhere. If you want to get rid of condensation without having to use fuel-guzzling heated windscreens or heaters on full blast, read on; these simple tips will help make life a bit easier for you.

Why Do My Windows Fog Up in Winter?

Air is naturally full of water vapour. When warmer air hits a cold surface, this water vapour forms condensation. In winter, your car’s windows and windscreens get very cold, so when you get into your car, your body heat and warm breath (which also contains a lot of moisture) will quickly raise the temperature inside your vehicle and cause your windows to fog up. It’s not possible to completely prevent condensation from forming on your windscreen, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce how bad it is.

Clean Your Windows

Cleaning the inside of your windows will help you deal with condensation in winter for two reasons. One is simply that there’s less dirt on your windows to block your view. The second is a bit more sciencey; the dirt that builds up on your car windows over time creates more surface area for water vapour to cling to. If your windows are clean, you’ll find that they don’t fog up anywhere near as much as the moisture in the air doesn’t have as much surface area to form on.

Dry Yourself

As condensation is caused by moisture in your car, it makes sense to keep yourself as dry as possible! This isn’t always possible – British winters aren’t known for being dry, after all – but if you’re caught in the rain, try and shake off as much water as you can from your clothes and umbrella before getting into your car. If your coat or bag is soaking wet, try putting it in the boot instead of the front seat, or keep it in a closed container until you get home. You should also be aware if you’ve just had a shower – having damp hair will cause a lot of condensation to appear on your windscreen.

Ventilate, Don’t Circulate

Open your car’s air vents and don’t use your car’s recirculate setting. This does mean your car will warm up a little slower, but it helps the moisture escape from your car and will stop your windows from fogging up as badly. If it’s dry out and not too cold, you can also open your windows slightly. After you’ve got a bit of fresh air into your car and the condensation is clear, you can close your window and set your car to recirculate again.

Dehumidify

A dehumidifier is an essential purchase for your car in winter. Dehumidifiers contain porous material that sucks the moisture out of the air, meaning that your windows will fog up much less. You’ll still be left with a little fog – moisture from your body and breath will add up a little, but a dehumidifier will make a noticeable difference to how badly your window mists up.

Clean Your Car Regularly

Over time, your car will start to get dirty on the inside. Tracked-in dirt, food crumbs from a service station sausage roll, bits of dust, can build up as the months roll on, and it’s easy to forget about them. All of these things contain moisture which can end up in the air inside your car. Cleaning your car regularly eliminates this debris, making your car feel fresher while also ensuring you have fewer things adding to the natural moisture inside your vehicle.