Stopping condensation in your car

You’re rushing to get ready in the morning and get to your car, only to find your windscreen is misted up. This condensation may take some time to clear, but it’s important not to drive as it could affect your view and potentially cause an accident.

Rule 229 of The Highway Code states ‘Before you set off make sure the mirrors are clear and windows are demisted thoroughly’. This means driving with condensation is an illegal offence that could land you with:

• A £1,000 fine.
• 3 penalty points.
• Potential disqualification from driving.

What is condensation?

Condensation occurs when the temperature inside is different to outside. When warm air from inside your car meets the cold windscreen, water vapour turns into water that causes windscreen fog.

Although it may be frustrating to wait, it’s important to clear condensation before setting off if you want to avoid these penalties and stay safe on the road. Here’s how you can stop condensation in your car.

Why does my car mist up inside?

Condensation can build up when cars are parked overnight or from drivers and passengers’ breath while driving.

Damp and wet items including coats, towels and umbrellas also create moisture as they dry out - leaving you with more mist. If you’ve been for a walk in the rain, the gym for a workout or a pool for a swim, don’t leave these items in the vehicle.

Condensation may also appear if you have a blocked pollen filter. Ask a professional to fix this as it could be preventing fresh air circulation and land you with an unwanted fine.

How to prevent condensation on the windows in your car

As previously mentioned, your windscreen needs to be completely clear when driving. ‘Portholing’ - where drivers wipe away enough mist so they can just about see through a small area - is against the law and could land you with a fine of £1,000.

While some condensation is natural and inevitable, there are ways of managing the issue. Get in your car and do the following after switching it on:

• Set blowers to full and switch to a cool temperature.
• Turn off air recirculation. You want to bring in fresh, dry air from outside rather than moving damp air around the car.
• Switch on your air conditioning - or roll down the windows if you don’t have it.
• Flip your sun visors down. This helps direct the airflow back onto the windscreen rather than letting it escape into the cabin.
• Switch on your heated windscreen, if you have one.
• Gradually increase the temperature until the windows are free from condensation.

Keeping your windows clean can help deal with condensation. Dirt gives moisture a surface to cling to, resulting in windscreen condensation. Wash your car on a regular basis to help avoid this.

If you want to wipe away some condensation, you should use a clean microfibre cloth or dedicated car demisting accessory. Using your hands will just leave oily streaks all over your windscreen, which are both unsightly and distracting.

Don’t be tempted to leave the car while it’s running. For a start, idling (when you leave your engine running while stationary on a public road) can lead to a £20 Fixed Penalty Notice, rising to £40 if unpaid. Secondly, if your vehicle was to be stolen while you were not there, your insurance is likely to be void.

It’s important to check if there’s any moisture pooling. If there is, you might have a leak that needs fixing.

Condensation vs leaks: What’s the difference?

The easiest way of telling the difference between condensation and a leak is:

• Condensation is surface-level mist.
• A leak results in damp carpets, a musty smell or pools and puddles of water on the surface inside the car.

Check both the interior and exterior of the car, including any vents and make sure these are clear from debris e.g. wet leaves that can pump moisture directly into the ventilation system when trapped. Check rubber strips and seals around doors and windows, which again can let leaks in.

If you’ve parked up and see a puddle of clean water on the floor outside your vehicle, don’t be alarmed. This is likely to be the air con system draining some condensation.

Does air conditioning stop condensation?

Air conditioning stops condensation as it acts as a dehumidifier, removing moisture from the air. Keeping the air con on, even in the colder winter months, will help you maintain dry air inside your car.

Are there any other ways of getting rid of car condensation?

You can buy reusable car dehumidifiers for a low price. These are bags filled with silica gel that can be placed on the dashboard to absorb moisture. Silica gel pellets are also available but may be more expensive.

One other unexpected solution to condensation issues is to fill a sock with cat litter and leave it on your dashboard (without obstructing your view) or under your seat.

This will soak up condensation inside the car windscreen areas because the clay or crystal silica-based particles in cat litter will absorb excess moisture.

Sources

https://www.confused.com/compare-car-insurance/guides/how-to-beat-condensation-in-your-car

https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/motoring/stop-car-condensation-placing-sock-36338526

https://blog.halfords.com/how-to-stop-condensation-in-your-car/

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/how-to-demist-your-windscreen-in-double-quick-time/

https://mag.toyota.co.uk/fix-condensation-inside-car/

https://www.brindley.co.uk/news/how-to-stop-condensation-on-car-windows/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/driving-in-adverse-weather-conditions-226-to-237