Why Car Windows Fog Up and What You Can Do About It

Fogged up car windows obstruct the driver’s view. The fogging can be caused by a technical malfunction, so you should keep an eye on it. Also pay attention to whether the drops are oily, or smell unpleasant.

5-Minute Crafts will help you to remove fog from car windows, and will also tell you how to minimize this problem.

Why do car windows fog up

A foggy windshield happens when the air in the car is too humid, leading to condensation. The reasons can be natural, or they can be the result of some technical malfunctions:

• A big difference in temperatures inside and outside. This problem is especially common in winter and late autumn.
• Dampness in the cabin. If you get wet in the rain and get into the car, your windows will become foggy. It can also happen if you have water accumulate on the rugs due to wet and snowy shoes.
• Heavy fog. This consists of small droplets of water, so it’s not surprising that the humidity in the cabin increases several times if there is fog outside.
• Damaged sealing. Check to see how well the door seals perform their function and protect the car cabin from the outside humid air.
• Dirt in the air filter. If it’s clogged with dust and leaves, it will impede the operation of the air conditioner.
• Clogged AC drain pipe. Clean the drain hole, otherwise the air conditioner will not work properly.

How to minimize fogging

If you want to forget about foggy windows forever, you should minimize the reasons mentioned below:

• Shake off water and snow from your shoes before getting in the car.

• Put wet items like a wet umbrella into a sealed bag.

• Check to see whether there are any wet items in the car. Remove water from the rugs if necessary.

• Make sure that the AC drain pipe is not clogged.

• Remove snow and leaves from the radiator grill, as well as from the gap between the windshield and the hood.

• Check whether the vents in the trunk are closed.

There are a few tricks for how you can prevent foggy windows:

• Stick polycarbonate film on the window. This material repels water, preventing it from accumulating on the surface. Don’t worry, it’s completely transparent and durable.
• Use anti-fog products, including aerosols, gels, wipes, and so on. Their effect is enough for several rides.
• Lubricate the windows with shaving foam or gel. Apply the product to clean dry windows, rub it in well, and then wipe it off with paper towels.

What to do with foggy windows

• Use the air conditioner. If you don’t have it, use the blower. Direct the air flow at your windshield and side windows.

• Turn on the rear window demister.

• Use silica gel or cat litter to reduce humidity in the car’s interior. You can put them in a cloth bag or sock and keep them inside the car.
• You can remove water from the rugs with the help a snowball. Make a snowball and put it in the puddle. As soon as it absorbs all of the water, just throw it away.
• Put a newspaper on the rug. Just don’t forget to change it regularly.

Tip: Don’t wipe windows with a cloth, otherwise they will fog up again after a couple of minutes. A newspaper would be a better solution to this problem.