Foggy car windows take all the fun out of driving and make it easy to find the road less travelled (straight off a cliff). We all hate that what-the-fog moment after switching on the heater, only to lose sight of the road. But how do you keep the heat and lose the fog on your windshield in winter? Let us clear up a few things for you.

 

What causes foggy car windows?

There are many lessons from science textbooks that our cars keep calling on us to revisit. Today’s topic takes us back to the lecture on condensation (which we all still remember is the process of a gas changing to a liquid, right?). When the cold outside air meets your warm windshield, it causes condensation to occur. Winter fogging happens inside the vehicle (unlike summer fogging, which forms outside the windscreen), so you can’t just swing your wipers at it to make the problem disappear.

 

How to get fog off your windshield in winter

Temper the toasty temperature (so Science says, anyway).

  • Get the outside air inside

Hit the ‘Fresh Air Button’ (that’s the one with the arrow pointing into the car). This can help defog your windshield in cold temperatures by letting the cold air pour in. Or, where possible, just roll down the windows.

  • Turn on the AC

Dropping the temperature inside the car to match the frigid air of the world beyond your windshield is a sure way to clear the fog. So, turn down the heat or tune up the cold just enough so you don’t freeze.

  • Open defrost vents

You do this by pushing on the button with a box and three squiggly arrows that shoot straight to the fog on your windows.

 

More ways to stop your car from fogging up in winter

  • Keep your windshield clean 

Debris and other dirt particles can accumulate on the outside of your windscreen and remain invisible without the presence of moisture. Moisture particles are more partial to dirty surfaces and often lead to a foggy windscreen.

  • Use shaving cream

You can also use shaving cream to prevent windows from fogging up. Or go the more traditional route and use an ammonia-based window cleaner on the inside of your your windshield.