How to Keep Your Car Windows from Fogging Up in Winter

How to Keep Your Car Windows from Fogging Up in Winter

Living in Brisbane, means enjoying a subtropical climate for most of the year. However, when winter arrives, so does the challenge of dealing with fogged-up car windows due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Here’s how you can effectively prevent fogging both inside and outside of your car during the winter months.

1. Inside Car

During winter, the contrast between the warm interior of your car and the cooler outside temperatures can quickly lead to condensation on the inside of your windows. Here’s how to combat it:

• Use Air Conditioning Wisely: Although it’s counterintuitive in winter, using your car’s air conditioning helps to reduce humidity inside the car. Set it to a moderate temperature and ensure the AC is directed to the windows to keep them clear.
• Defrost Function: Utilize your car’s defrost setting, which usually combines heat with the AC to quickly clear fogged-up windows. This setting also works to keep the windshield clear while driving.
  
• Keep Windows Clean: Regularly clean the inside of your windows with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner to remove any residue that can contribute to fogging.
  

2. Outside Car

External fogging occurs when the dew point (the temperature at which air becomes saturated) is reached, causing moisture to condense on the outer surface of your car’s windows. To prevent this:

• Park in a Sheltered Area: Whenever possible, park your car in a garage or under cover to minimize exposure to dew and frost.
• Use a Waterproof Cover: Covering your car with a waterproof car cover overnight can prevent dew from forming on your windows.
  
• Apply an Anti-Fog Solution: Treat your car windows with a commercial anti-fog product. These products create a barrier that reduces condensation buildup on the outside of windows.
  

Additional Tips

• Ventilation: Crack your windows slightly to allow air circulation, which helps to equalize the temperature and humidity inside and outside the car.
• Avoid Cloth Covers: Cloth car covers can trap moisture against your car, exacerbating fogging issues.
  

By implementing these tips, us South-East Queenslanders can enjoy clear visibility and a safer driving experience during the cooler months. Remember, being proactive about managing humidity and temperature differences inside and outside your car is key to preventing fogged-up windows.