As the chill of November sets in, British motorists are facing the familiar and frustrating morning ritual of dealing with a fogged-up windscreen. This seasonal nuisance, caused by condensation, can add precious minutes to your morning routine. However, a surprisingly simple solution exists that involves removing just one common item from your vehicle.
The Everyday Item Worsening Your Condensation Problem
Both experienced drivers and motoring specialists agree that a particular oversight is significantly contributing to the condensation issue inside cars. The problem was recently highlighted in a Reddit discussion where a driver asked for help with excessive moisture on their car's interior windows. The query sparked a flood of responses from the online community, offering a range of tips for keeping car windows clear during the colder months.
One user advised, "Turn up your heat, turn on defrost and make sure the air intake is set to outside air." Another shared their personal experience, stating, "My problem was wet cloth floor mats in the past." A third contributor pointed to potential vehicle faults, suggesting, "Your doors have drains that can get clogged... Moisture is getting in your car somehow, you just have to figure out how."
Official RAC Guidance on Beating the Fog
The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) provides clear expert advice on this common winter problem. The organisation explains that windscreen misting occurs when the moisture in the air inside your car condenses on the cold surface of the glass. This typically happens when the interior is warm and humid while the outside temperature is cold.
According to the RAC, the humidity inside a car often increases when drivers leave damp items to dry. Wet clothes, shoes, umbrellas, and particularly damp car mats are primary culprits. Simply put, any damp item left in your vehicle can contribute to the fogging issue. To tackle the problem effectively, these items should be removed from the car entirely.
What Really Causes Car Condensation?
Condensation forms inside a vehicle when warm, humid air meets a cold surface, such as the windows, causing moisture vapour to turn into water droplets. Common sources of this interior moisture include:
- Passengers' breath
- Damp clothing or pets
- Hot beverages
- Leaks from door or sunroof seals
As winter approaches, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of a car becomes more pronounced, making windscreens increasingly susceptible to fogging. While removing damp items is a crucial first step, the RAC also advises motorists to inspect their vehicles for any leaks. If the problem persists unexpectedly, seeking further advice from a qualified mechanic is recommended.
