Misty windows can be unsafe while you’re on the road, especially if they keep fogging up. Discover our simple steps to keep your view clear, and your journey safe and comfortable.
Condensation is a common seasonal problem all drivers face: just when you think you’ve got rid of a misty windscreen and everything’s crystal clear. It comes back again. And again.
We’ll show you how to demist your vehicle using everything from your demister button to dehumidifier pads.
What causes your windscreen to mist?
When it’s cold outside and there’s moisture trapped inside your vehicle, your windscreen will mist up. This is because the moisture condenses on the cool surface of the glass. Damp items inside your vehicle and poor air circulation contribute to this too.
4 ways to clear condensation fast
Here are four ways to fix your fogged up windows. Use a mix of our tips and these tricks from the RAC to get the best results:
Turn on your air conditioning
If your vehicle has air conditioning, turn it on. It will act as a powerful dehumidifier, drying out the air. Then choose a warm temperature setting and a high fan speed.
It helps condensation evaporate quickly, especially when you use it together with your heating.
Use your demister button
It’s the most obvious hack on our list, but use your demister button, also known as your defroster button. It’s worth pointing out, because few people know what it looks like.
It looks like a slanted rectangle with three wavy arrows pointing up. This button activates your vehicle’s full demisting power. That means your air conditioning will turn on fully, your fans will blow faster, and all the airflow will go to your front windscreen.
If you’re not sure where to find this button, check your vehicle’s handbook. Vauxhall, for example, have a clear demisting and defrosting section in their Corsa handbook.
And if your vehicle has an air recirculation button, which looks like a car with a U-turn arrow inside it, press that too. It’ll help speed things up.
Noticed your vehicle has a clever climate control?
Use it. It’s technology that’s specially designed to demist your windscreen and automatically adjust your vehicle’s ventilation to achieve the best results.
Use your front and rear-window heaters
Instead of overloading your cabin with hot, wet air, turn your heater to cold first. Slowly increase the temperature as the air dries. Try to find a temperature that works both for you and your passengers and the cabin.
Once it’s on, turn all your air nozzles towards your windscreen and windows. It might take a little while to clear, but it’ll do the trick.
Open one window a little
One sure way to clear your windscreen fast is to open a window a little. But not too much. It keeps a nice, equalised temperature and lets the moist air escape.
Another reason this works is that the dry, cold air from outside gets in and reduces the amount of water vapour in your vehicle, which stops your windscreen from misting up.
You’ve cleared your windows for now, but it always happens again. Next, we’ll show you how keep it from coming back.
4 tips to stop your windows from fogging up again
Here are four easy habits you can try to stop the mist from returning once it’s gone:
Keep your glass clean
It might sound like an odd habit but clean the inside of your windows with shaving foam. It’s a trick hockey players use to stop their face masks from steaming up on the ice.
It stops the mist mounting before it even starts and works as a great protective barrier, but it will not last forever. You’ll need to repeat it often.
Shaving foam not something you have lying around? Try an open jar of baking powder instead, or sprinkle some on a cloth and wipe your windows. This will soak up the moisture.
Check your mats for damp
It’s easy to trample wet shoes or boots into your vehicle’s mats without realising, especially in the drizzly months. The wetness ends up as a hidden source of damp, adding to your misting problem.
Remove your mats regularly to get rid of excess water with a hoover, or towels. It’s also a good idea to thoroughly air them in the sun or with fans.
Never leave wet coats or umbrellas in your vehicle
Wet items like coats or umbrellas always carry dampness. If you leave them in your vehicle, they’ll release this damp over time, which will mist up your windows.
It’s best to take them inside as soon as you’re home. Put them in your bathtub or shower, if you have one. It’s a great place for them to dry off.
Look into dehumidifier pads or silica gel packs
Dehumidifiers and silica gel packs both work well to reduce the amount of moisture in your vehicle. Dehumidifiers stop your windows from fogging up. They’ll also clear any musty smells.
Reusable silica gel pouches are popular because they absorb condensation slowly but effectively. When the crystals change colour it’s your sign to recharge them in a microwave or on a radiator.
Clear your view before you set off
Anyone who drives knows that clear visibility is very important on the road. It’s essential for your safety and the safety of others. It’s dangerous and illegal if your visibility is blocked. Take time to clear your windows fully before you set off. And never pull away until they’re fully clear.
If you find your windows turn foggy on the road, use the buttons in your vehicle to demystify them. If it fails to clear, calmly and safely pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and demist fully.
Get ahead: precondition your EV
The best way to solve misty windows is to tackle the problem before it starts. If you have an electric vehicle (EV), you can precondition it before you get in. It will help you demist your windscreen and windows.
It can take forever for a petrol or diesel car to warm up. In an EV, pre-conditioning lets you remotely activate your car’s climate control so you can cool or warm the inside of your vehicle. It’s extra useful during the winter months, when condensation is more of a problem.
Use it often and you’ll get ahead of the fog. While others are sitting idle, clearing the mist from their windows, you’ll already be on your way.
A clear, fog-free drive
Apply our tips, and you’ll keep your whole journey clear, safe, and enjoyable. Use the hacks that work best for you. Here’s a snapshot of everything we’ve covered:
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Clear visibility is essential for safe driving
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Condensation is normal and easy to handle, with the right steps
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You can demist quickly, using any of our four easy steps
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Once it’s clear, try our four tips to stop condensation coming back
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Keeping your vehicle clean and dry helps prevent fogging
Keep those in mind and you’ll feel safe, confident, and comfortable on every journey. We’re here to support you with practical advice for safe driving, all year round.
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