Is the Winter Mist Blurring Your Way While Driving?

We all love the cold weather because suddenly opportunities to be cosy and comfortable are available by the dozen. Plus, nature is extremely scenic and perfect for those drives.

However, what starts off as a fun innocent drive can easily turn into a hazardous event because of the problem of mist gathering on your windscreen and interfering with the driver’s visibility. It is needless to say, this is a dangerous and problematic situation. Many car-owners face the problem of mist gathering on the glass of their windows and windscreen.

However, most people don’t know how to tackle the situation and hence could land up doing more damage than good.

Let’s Start With Understanding How Condensation Actually Takes Place.

There is an extremely simple reason for this, however, most people just don’t know about it yet. On account of the cold weather, the temperature outside is naturally lower than the temperature inside the vehicle.

The higher temperature inside the car is majorly caused by the heat emitted from our bodies and our breath. This contrast of the cold air outside with the mildly heated air inside causes the formation of water droplets on the window or windscreen glass.

What Next? How Can You Demist the Glass of the Windscreen and Windows?

1. Use the car’s feature for demisting, if it has one

Most of the newer models have an automatic feature to help resolve the issue. The way this feature works is the heated elements in the screen are used to add airflow along the glass’s surface thereby clearing it of the condensation. This process can happen gradually or in a matter of minutes.

2. Increase the temperature of the heater

As a rule of thumb, keep in mind warm air absorbs more moisture than cold air. Do not turn the heater on immediately as the sudden contrast of temperature might cause the glass to crack.

Start it on cold and gradually drop the temperature to adjust it to your comfort level as well and sufficient to demist the glass. You could even turn the panels toward the windows so that the airflow starts working on drying up the water.

Do not overload the area with hot wet air as this could worsen the problem and also make you very uncomfortable while inside.

3. Put on the air conditioner for a short period

This may seem like a weird solution to try however, it is important to remember that air conditioners usually suck moisture out of the air and hence will land up drying out the air to remove any water content in it. You may alternate between the heater and the air conditioner so that you and the passengers do not land up freezing your toes off.

4. Put off the air recirculation

Instead of recycling the same air over and over again when your windows and windscreen are getting misted up it would be better to pull in the cold air from outside since it has lesser moisture content in it.

5. Keep one window slightly open

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book and dates back to when modern features did not exist to demist the windows and windscreen.

Keep in mind that you do not have to open the window up too much or entirely. All that is needed is a small gap for the warm air to pass out so that the glass demists. Once it is clear you can regulate the heater to make yourself warm and comfortable inside the car.

6.Prep the car

One of the most effective ways to demist the car is by turning on the engine and waiting for it to demist before you get into it so that once you are ready to begin the drive, the view is clear.

Do remember to stand nearby or wait in the car so that you don’t run the risk of someone running off with it.

How You Can Avoid the Windscreen and Windows from Misting Up

1. Clean windows prevent easy misting up: When you clean your windows regularly, you avoid dirt particles from gathering and acting as a collecting point for moisture.
2. Avoid keeping any damp items in the car: Damp items act as a storage for moisture and help it accumulate. If you do have any damp items which you can’t avoid carting around, store them in the boot.
3. Try a demisting solution: Anti-fog solutions can be purchased at a store however, ask your professional service technician for tips so that you pick up the right one.
4. Shaving foam/gel layering: Shaving foam or gel acts as a protective layer to prevent the easy accumulation of moisture, however, bear in mind it is not a one-time fix and will need to be reapplied in at intervals.
5. The sock-hack: This is a lesser-known trick. Put some (clean) absorbent cat litter into a sock and knot up the open end. You can leave this in your car for it to soak up any moisture, this will drastically slow down the accumulation of moisture in the air.
6. Try a portable dehumidifier: You can also buy a handy humidifier to carry around with you. It helps to suck out the moisture before it starts making its way to the window.
7. Get a professional to regularly service your car: It is important to have the glass checked from time to time to make sure there’s no chip/crack or any other flaw that’s causing cold air to seep in and create a bigger contrast between the hot and cold temperature.

About the Author

Darren Pay and Justin Oakes heads A1 Windscreens, Melbourne Australia a premier service with cost-effective pricing for car window replacement and window film in Melbourne.