How to Quickly Clear the Inside of your Car Windscreen in Winter
During the winter, fogging and condensation inside the car windscreen are common issues.
Beyond being frustrating, these can prove very dangerous, especially if they start to occur whilst you’re driving. This is because they can quickly start to impair your visibility, and distract the driver if they have to attempt to clear it.
But thankfully, with the right approach, you can quickly clean condensation from your window, and even minimise the risk of it occurring in the first place.
Keep reading to find our top tips for tackling ice inside the windscreen, condensation and fogging in your car during the winter.
Why can ice form inside a car windscreen?
Condensation, fogging and ice can all form inside your car windscreen, particularly during the winter months or colder spells.
Most commonly, ice can build up towards the bottom of your windscreen, closest to the dashboard.
These issues occur because of moisture within the car interior. When temperatures get colder (usually overnight) this moisture can freeze to ice.
Alternatively, fogging and condensation occur on a surface when it is exposed to two different extremes of temperatures. In the case of a car, the temperature is much colder on the outside of a car windscreen than the inside. So, as the temperature inside the car increases (as you get in the car, and first turn on the heating), condensation and fogging can quickly start to occur.
How can you avoid ice inside the windscreen?
If it’s going to be a particularly cold night, there are some simple steps you can take to help avoid ice building up inside your windscreen.
Wipe the inside of your windscreen
Ensure to wipe your windscreen with a dry microfiber cloth before you leave your car, to pick up any water that’s still on the screen. Also take a cloth to the dashboard, as water could still be present on the dashboard near the bottom of screen.
Use a cover overnight
If you have a windscreen cover, these can help to stop ice inside. However, ensure you have wiped the inside beforehand.
The best ways to clean the inside of your car windscreen when it’s fogged up
If you see fogging or condensation starting to develop inside your car windscreen, you need to address the problem quickly, before it’s allowed to escalate.
You can quickly and effectively clean the inside of your car windscreen by:
– Setting your car heating to max power for the windscreen
– Slightly opening your windows
– Turn on the air conditioning (this will help to decrease the car’s humidity levels)
– Turning on your car’s defrost function (if it has one)
– Wiping the fog or condensation away using a microfibre cloth
– Spraying the windscreen with a demisting solution (and applying the spray using a microfibre cloth)
How can you avoid condensation on the inside of your windscreen?
There are also ways that you can help minimise the risk of condensation occurring in the first place.
– Starting the engine of your car before you’re due to start driving (as this will give the car time to warm up, without you in it, adding extra condensation to the interior)
– Inspecting the seals around your car doors and windows, to ensure there are no leaks
– Ensuring any damp items (such as umbrellas, or shoes that are covered in snow) are left outside of the call, when possible
– Regularly cleaning your windows (to ensure any grime is removed)
– Adding dehumidifiers to your car
By being proactive, and taking a preventative approach, you can ensure condensation doesn’t pose a hazard to your driving during the winter.
At Watling Tyres, we are an independent tyre dealer and autocentre, specialising in a wide range of tyre services. With over 55 years in the business, you can trust our skilled team to ensure your vehicle is performing as safely as possible.
Find your closest branch, and book in today for new tyres, an MOT, or a service!