How to Deal With a Foggy Windscreen This Winter

If you live in a cold climate, then you know the feeling all too well.

You get in your car after it has been sitting in the cold overnight, turn on the heater, and wait for the defroster to clear the windscreen. But instead of getting a clear view of the road ahead, all you can see is a thick layer of fog. This mist is caused by the condensation on the windows of the car.

In this blog post, we will look at what causes windscreen fogging and take a look at how you can prevent it.

Why Do We Get a Foggy Windscreen?

A foggy windscreen is caused by moisture in the air that is attracted to the window surface.

These particles collect on the glass surface and form a thin layer of grime that collects more moisture and causes fogging. This is especially common on dark or rainy days when you drive along a highway with lots of traffic.

The Science Behind Windscreen Fog

When warm air hits a cold surface, it condenses into water droplets. That’s why your glass gets misty when you step out of a hot shower into a chilly bathroom.

The same thing happens when you crank up the heat in your car. The warm air from the heater hits the cold windscreen and creates condensation. To make matters worse, if there is already moisture on your windscreen, such as from melting snow, the water will begin to evaporate when heated by the heater, resulting in even more fog.

And if you have a cracked or chipped windscreen, this moisture can seep into those tiny cracks and cause them to worsen.

Why is it important to know how to deal with a foggy windscreen in the winter?

Well, when you’re driving in temperatures below freezing, all that moisture gets trapped behind the glass, where it’s unable to evaporate. This, too, can create more fog. One symptom of this trapped moisture is frost on the windows, which also causes visibility issues.

So, what should you do if your windscreen becomes foggy?

First, don’t panic! You can stop the fog from getting worse. Below, we will go into more depth about preventing and clearing a foggy windshield.

How to Prevent Foggy Windscreens

Now that you know the science behind it, let’s figure out how to stop it from happening in the first place.

Your windscreen is your first line of defence against the elements while you’re driving, which is why it’s important to make sure it’s clean before you start your journey.

Foggy windows can be problematic for many reasons: you might not be able to see the road in front of you; wipers can smear the condensation onto the rest of your windscreen, and the freezing temperature can make the windows difficult to open or close.

When it comes to driving in the winter, there are a few things you can do to make sure you have a safe and comfortable trip. Here are some tips to prevent a foggy windscreen from happening in the first place:

1. Turn on your engine to warm up the heater and defrost it. This helps evaporate any moisture that may already be on the windscreen before you turn it on. Have the windows cleaned regularly? Especially in colder climates, it’s a good idea to have a professional come to your home to clean the windows twice a year. A dirty window can trap moisture, leading to fog.
2. Make sure you keep your car clean. A dirty windscreen can make even more water stick to it. So make sure the windows are free of dust and grime so they don’t collect more moisture.
3. Clear off any snow and ice immediately. If snow and ice melt on your windscreen, the water will freeze when the temperature drops at night. This can cause cracking in your windscreen and lead to fogging the next morning. So make sure you clear it off as soon as possible so it doesn’t freeze overnight.
4. Clean your wiper blades: When the blades are clogged with dirt and grime, they don’t spread the water evenly across your windscreen, causing streaks and smears. Instead, they can simply smear the condensation across the rest of the window. Clean them on a regular basis to ensure that they evenly distribute water across your windshield.
5. Wipe down your windows often. Windows can get dirty during the winter as snow, ice, and salt can build up on them. Wipe them down with a clean cloth or paper towel so they aren’t collecting dust and dirt.

Winter driving can be challenging, but by taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure a smooth trip.

By taking a few minutes to do these simple tasks, you can help ensure that your field of vision is unobstructed and that you’ll be able to react quickly if something unexpected happens.

Conclusion

It is important to keep your windscreen clear of frost and ice, which is especially important in the winter. You should always do a quick check before driving to avoid unexpected visibility and safety problems on the road.

Windscreen fogging is a common problem during the winter months, but it can be prevented by following some simple tips. Make sure your car has proper ventilation to keep the interior warm and prevent freezing in the dashboard.

Finally, make sure you always inspect your wiper blades regularly to make sure they spread the water evenly across the windshield and don’t leave streaks and smears behind. By keeping your windscreen clean and clear of cracks and chips, adjusting your vents, and using an antifogging solution when necessary, you can keep your view of the road ahead clear all winter long.

If you would like to get in touch with us about anything, or if you have any other questions in general, please feel free to contact us! We will be more than happy to hear from you!