We’ve all done it. Hopped in our vehicle and headed out when suddenly the windshield becomes fogged up and you can’t see anymore. As cooler weather approaches this an increasingly likely hiccup in one’s morning routine.
What causes that obnoxious opacity?
At any given moment there is a certain amount of water in the air. This is called humidity. When the temperature inside your vehicle gets warmer than the temperature outside this water condenses into the fog we see on the glass. Our breath also adds more water to the air in our vehicle which contributes to the problem.
What can be done?
Turning on your vehicle’s defroster will help reduce this as it pushes warm dry air along the glass which will evaporate the water back into the air. Make sure you’re not using the recirculation setting on your vehicle’s A/C system as this will trap the high moisture air inside.
Tips to discourage condensation in the future:
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Clean the windows and windshield. Dirt and grime can attract water particles.
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Remove any damp items (umbrellas, wet napkins, drinks) from your vehicle to discourage moisture evaporation
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Check for leaks where water may be getting inside your vehicle. Call your mechanic to have these issues resolved quickly as leaks can become a costly fix if not dealt with promptly.
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Put a desiccant packet in your vehicle to pull more moisture out of the air.
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Treat your windows and windshield with an anti-fog product such as Rain-X interior glass products or even shaving cream to act as a barrier for moisture.