A wet, foggy windscreen could be the make or break during these cold autumn mornings when commuting to work.
However, there are many simple ways to get rid of condensation quickly inside a vehicle.
The Daily Record reports that the first instinct many people have when met with a foggy windscreen is to break out the clothes to clear the glass before setting off.
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A number of factors contribute to condensation on car windows, but it comes down to one thing usually - moisture. Too much moisture in a car can come down to the following things:
- A leak
- Half-open cans of fizzy juice
- Left-over coffee cups
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to solve this problem when you are in a rush. Read on below for more information.
How to stop condensation forming inside your car
The first thing to do before you hit the road is check where moisture in the car is coming from. The president of AA, Edmund King, said that damp coats and boots can sometimes be the cause of condensation.
There are ways to check if there is a leak in the car as well. Mr King said: "Check the pollen filter first – this is on the in-take side of the heater, often under the dash or in the plenum chamber (the area under the windscreen in the engine compartment).
“Then have a look at the spare wheel well for signs of water ingress (it usually leaks in round the rear lights or through the tailgate seal). Water can also leak in through the bulkhead. This is the panel between the back of the dashboard and the engine bay.”
If a leak is found, the best thing to do is mop up the water with old towels, and have the source of the leak sealed up. Edmund continued: "Remove damp mats, clothing and boots, particularly at night, and let them dry out,” he said. “On sunny days when the car is parked on your drive, open the windows a little way to let some fresh air in.
“Air conditioning systems dry out the air before cooling or warming it, so use it while driving to help complete the drying process. If you carry lots of passengers or animals in the car make sure it is well ventilated as the moisture in their breath quickly mists up the glass.”
Why it's vital to clear condensation before setting off
When there are places to be, sometimes it is not ideal to be searching around for possible leaks, and sealing up the source of the water infestation. But if you do plan on driving soon, it is vital that the condensation is cleared from the windscreen first.
This is key for the safety of the driver and passengers, and other road users - but it is also unlawful to drive with your vision impaired in any way. Rule 229 of the Highway Code states motorists cannot have their windscreen obscured by ice, snow or condensation, and failure to clear it could get you slapped with a £60 police fine.
Start Rescue have stated that the best way to clear condensation is by using the internal heating system. The roadside assistant operators said: “If your vehicle has heated windscreens, turn them on."
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