Now that the low temperatures are coming, it is worth remembering how defog car windows. An everyday operation, but not everyone performs well. That is why we are going to tell you what to do and what not to do, to achieve it as quickly as possible. And why not, how to prevent them from fogging up for the next few weeks.
The mist that appears on car windows is caused by condensation. When there is enough moisture inside the car and the windows are cold, water condenses on contact with crystals. If you look at a cloudy glass with a microscope, what you see are very small drops of water spread over the entire surface.
cold or hot air
Since what it is about is going back to turn water into steam, it is slightly better to use hot air. However, don't worry if the engine is cold and can't generate enough heat for the heater to work. With cold air they can also be demisted, although it takes a little longer.
Demisting with air from outside or inside
The drier the air the better. Since the windows of your car are fogged up, it means that the air inside is too humid. Better open the air intake from the outside, or what is the same, do not activate the air recirculation button. If you notice, when you press the demisting button on cars that have air conditioning, recirculation is automatically deactivated.
Methods to stop them from fogging up
Anti-fog glass cleaner
As we already mentioned in the article about the window cleaning, there are products that prevent the appearance of fogging. There are many brands capable of this effect such as doril, Sonax o 3CV. It will be enough for you to clean the crystals with one of them from time to time.
desiccant bags
Another solution is reduce the amount of moisture that is usually inside the car. For this there are many products with proven effectiveness. Among them are the well-known silica bags, which are usually found inside new clothes. They are sold in packs of hundreds of them for little money. If you use them, do not fall short. distribute between 20 and 40 bags between the door openings, the pockets behind the seats and other nooks and crannies.
Silica gel absorbent beads used for pets are also effective. The only drawback is that you must put them in a cloth bag well closed, so as not to end up dirtying the car. Some people use a tied sock to contain them. Although this may raise a few questions if someone finds them under the seat.
Toothpaste
Instead of an anti-fog glass cleaner you can also use the toothpaste method. Yes, you heard right. Toothpaste is not only for polish car headlights. It also works for the purpose at hand. To apply it correctly you must follow the following steps:
- Spread some paste on a microfiber cloth
- Rub it all over the glass surface
- Let dry and wipe off excess with another clean microfiber cloth
Shaving foam
Another homemade trick to supply the specific anti-fog is that of the shaving foam spray. The way to apply it is the same as in the case of toothpaste. Except it takes a little longer to dry. Be careful because both tricks can leave a bit of white powder inside the car. Though nothing that can't be easily cleaned or vacuumed.
Images – Robert Couse-Baker and Actualidad Motor