Fogging up car windows: an ADAC trick works wonders in winter

Created: 01/12/2022, 10:17 AM

From: Anika Hinz

In the cold season, many drivers are annoyed by fogged windows.

The ADAC is now giving tips on how to solve the problem quickly and easily.

Germany - Moisture in the car can occur at any time of the year.

In the cold season, however, the problem is particularly present and so it happens that the windows fog up much faster than in spring or summer.

It gets particularly annoying when you want to drive off and the windows fog up immediately and block the view of the road.

What to do?

Fogged windows in the car: ADAC gives simple tips to solve the problem

Car windows mist up if the humidity in the car is too high.

It is therefore essential that the moist air disappears from the vehicle effectively and quickly.

The ADAC is now giving tips on how best to do this, as reported by RUHR24 *.

Probably the best way to clear the windows as quickly as possible is to turn on the heater and fan in the car.

The ADAC recommends setting the heating to the warmest and the fan to the highest level.

This binds the moist air and dries it.

Important: the ventilation and the pane must point directly upwards towards the front pane, otherwise it will not be free (more life hacks at RUHR24 *).

Air conditioning and heating can help clear the windows inside the car

When the weather is nice, however, it makes more sense to turn off the heating and just open the window instead.

The reason for this is simple: if the sun is shining outside and it's not raining, the air outside is drier than in the vehicle.

By exchanging air with the fresh air, the pane is cleared faster.

When it rains or fog, however, the windows should be kept closed.

Similar to heating and fans, the air conditioning system also ensures that the air in the car is drier.

It quickly and effectively draws moisture from the air and the panes are quickly exposed.

But be careful: the air conditioning switches off when the outside temperature is around five degrees.

So the tactic doesn't make much sense in freezing temperatures.

The trunk should also be checked at low temperatures: not all objects in the car can withstand frost.

Dirty windows mist up faster - regular cleaning can help

On the other hand, it makes more sense to always have a rag or sponge ready in the car.

If the windows are wet and heavily misted, they can be wiped free with both utensils in no time at all.

Especially helpful when you have to go to work in the morning and the heating is still cold.

By the way: less moisture is deposited on clean windows.

That is why the interior windows of the car should be cleaned regularly, ideally with glass cleaner.

Fighting causes instead of solving problems: Preventing moisture in winter is important

Owners of modern cars have a significant advantage over owners of older cars when it comes to free windows: The new vehicles often have a button with a windshield symbol, which enables maximum ventilation and heating directly on the windshield.

In addition, many cars these days have windshield heating.

The tips mentioned make fogged windows free again, but they do not solve the underlying problem: too much moisture in the car.

But how do you manage to keep the vehicle dry and prevent the windows from fogging up during the cold season and when it rains?

In winter the windows inside the car fog up much faster than in summer.

© Martin Gerten / dpa

Garages can cause car windows to mist up more quickly

The ADAC recommends checking the car for leaks and switching to rubber floor mats both in autumn and winter and removing the water from them regularly.

Otherwise it will evaporate through the heating air and condense on the panes.

The right parking space is also decisive for whether the car gets damp or stays dry.

Especially in poorly ventilated garages, moisture can develop quickly and the vehicle cannot dry out properly after driving.

The garage should therefore be ventilated regularly.

If that's not enough, built-in ventilation can help.

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