As a motorist in the UK you’ll almost certainly have noticed your vehicle’s windscreen and windows misting up in the winter weather conditions. However, rule 229 of the Highway Code states that you must make sure that all your car’s windows have been thoroughly demisted before you drive away. Not only will you be breaking the law if you fail to do this, you could have an accident because your view of the road is impaired – and you might find your future insurance policy premiums increase dramatically as a result.
So, in this article we look at how you can prevent your vehicle windows from fogging up, what demisting techniques you can use, and what causes it.
When warm, moist air within your car comes into contact with a cold windscreen or window it causes tiny droplets of water to form on the glass. If your vehicle has an internal water leak, you wear damp clothing or transport a wet animal it can make the situation worse, and the lack of air circulating within a vehicle can also exacerbate this problem. New vehicles often have better seals and insulation than their older counterparts which can be more prone to condensation, consider this factor when comparing new and used cars at your local motor trade dealership.
However, there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of vehicle misting occurring.
- Keeping your windscreen and windows clean will ensure that dust and oil particles won’t build up on the glass, therefore minimising the surface area on which the water droplets can form.
- You can buy special anti-fog solutions to treat the glass with, as well as dehumidifiers for your car.
- Make sure you keep your vehicle well-maintained and deal with any leaks promptly, try to remove excess water from your clothing before getting into your vehicle if you’ve been caught in the rain.
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What you can do when your vehicle’s windows have misted up?
If your car’s windows have already fogged up, you don’t need to be a professional in the motor trade to resolve the issue. Just switch your vehicle’s heater on and aim the air at the glass. Start by using the “cold air” setting and increase the temperature gradually. If your car has air conditioning, switch this on at the same time as this will help to keep the air inside the vehicle dry. If you don’t have air conditioning, simply open your car’s windows while the heater works its magic instead. You can also use a demister cloth to remove the condensation, so it’s worth keeping one in your vehicle so you always have it to hand.
By following these simple steps, you could make foggy car windows a thing of the past, and ensure you don’t fall foul of the law!
