Good visibility is one of the fundamental prerequisites for road safety. If you are familiar with the 3-Second Rule of driving, you will know that maintaining a clear view of the road will allow you to make timely decisions. In this case, you'll need your windows clean to use your rearview mirrors more efficiently.
Besides lighting, poor weather conditions can lead to low visibility on the roads. During winter, you will experience poor visibility when your car windows fog. Most drivers engage in an endless cycle of fighting off fog recurrence. To prevent your car windows from fogging up, you need to understand why they do so in the first place.
Car windows will develop fog due to differences in temperature and humidity, higher on the inside than outside. In addition, the hot vapor from your breath will condense once it makes contact with the surface of your car windows, leading to fog formation. As you already know, driving with foggy windows is dangerous and distracting.
For you to be on the safer side, there are techniques and low-cost products you can use to keep the fog away throughout your destination. Here's how to stop fog formation on your car windows in winter.
Maintain Clean Windows
Before you use your car during winter, it is recommendable that you clean the windows to remove any dirt or residue on the surface. Also, make sure that there is nothing on the surface of the window that can trap moisture and heat, which are necessary for the formation of fog. Finally, wipe your windows with a clean cloth and glass cleaner.
Switch OFF the air recirculation button and ON the AC
As much as the air recirculation button helps improve the efficiency of your AC during summer, this function contributes to the formation of foggy windows in winter. By making sure that the cabin air is not recirculating, you allow hot, dry air from the heater and AC to absorb more moisture from inside your vehicle. As the AC dehumidifies the cold, dry air outside, the heater keeps it hot and less moist.
Open car windows for air exchange
If you are cool with allowing in some cold, dry air while driving, then partially open some of your car windows for some time to balance the interior and exterior temperature and humidity. This technique boosts the efficiency of the AC and heater in reducing the fog formation on the windows.
Apply Anti-fog
This solution to foggy windows is optional, but it works best if you do not wish to crank open your windows while driving during winter. This solution reduces the surface tension of the droplets, making them invisible. The Rule of thumb when using Anti-fog solutions is to get one that lasts long and does not affect the nature of your windows. It is also important that you read the instructions carefully for better results.
The science behind stopping car windows from fogging up in winter requires that you reduce the amount of moisture in the cabin area and any other factors that may contribute to fog formation.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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