Driver’s tips to get rid of sweaty windows in the car
Fogged glass in the fall and winter is not uncommon. However, this phenomenon has been known for a long time, that is why there are folk remedies to combat it.
Everyone knows why there is sweating of glasses in the car, it is because of humidity and temperature difference. If moisture has accumulated in your car for some reason (for example, there are wet mats), then it will evaporate and begin to condense on the windows. As a consequence, the glass is covered with a deposit, and driving with it is not only dangerous, but practically impossible – you simply will not see anything.
The simplest way to struggle with fogged glasses is obvious – just wipe them. But it is not always convenient and every time you do not want to waste time on this procedure. Of course, there is a special chemistry, aimed at eliminating the effect of misting, but it is usually expensive. Meanwhile, there are alternative means to overcome this problem. After studying videos on the Internet, we decided to choose for you several popular ways. True, we want to warn you right away: some of these “methods” do not cause anything but a smile. That’s why we will provide the videos with our little comments. And in the end we’ll summarize and tell you one more tiphack, which will greatly help you in the fight against misting.
Simple and safe
A user with the nickname “Kolyan 78” offers to fight with misting with one simple system, which is in almost every car. You just have to take it, activate it, and the glass will get clean again.
The method is somewhat disconcerting in its directness and honesty: didn’t anyone ever guess that you could do that? Nevertheless, one thing is hard to argue with: it really is effective. But what to do those who do not have this function in cars? History is silent about it. Therefore, it is possible to consider this method partially effective.
Know-how from men
The channel Auto-dvn offer to use more reliable remedy against misting up, which will be also suitable for those who do not have air conditioner in their car. The authors of the video offer to put a gel or shaving foam on glasses, which should be then wiped with a napkin or paper.
This method can seem unaesthetic, but nevertheless it is rather popular and effective. However, its disadvantage is that there may be soapy stains on the glass, which then will be visible in the darkness in the headlight. Therefore, if you use this method, make sure that the shaving gel is of high quality, and carefully remove the remnants of the product from the glass.
Tips from overseas visitors
It is not only in Russia that people struggle with window fogging in cars, but also at the other end of the globe – in the US and Canada. For example, a user with a nickname ChrisFix published a video clip where he considered popular ways to struggle with this problem. In addition to the shaving gel mentioned above, he tried out a special antithuman gel, baby shampoo, liquid soap and even potatoes! The results of the test were quite surprising.
Of course, the absolute winner was the specially designed antifog and shaving gel. If we talk about other means, the video clearly shows that they do not help much against fogging. Although, of course, it is surprising that the ordinary potato was not in last place.
If you have a cat
Finally, another way to combat fogging is offered by UK resident DaveHax. Unlike others, the British believes that the fight is not with the consequence, but with the cause of misting – that is, with the humidity in the cabin. For this purpose, he suggests using two ordinary socks and cat litter.
This way of struggle with moisture is really effective, and especially actual, if you already have a pet. However, if you decide to apply this method as shown in the video, be careful when dealing with traffic cops: lying under the seat a sock with an incomprehensible white substance will cause at least suspicion at a possible inspection.
Let’s summarize. The most effective means against window misting is shaving foam or gel, as well as cat litter. Of course, we do not speak about turning on air conditioner – it is clear and in wet weather it must be done automatically (of course, if your car is equipped with this option). However, as promised, we shall tell about one more important way of struggle against fogging of glasses. It consists simply in keeping interior clean. The matter is that water molecules condense on dust and dirt particles. If there are many of them (for example, windshield has not been wiped for a long time), then misting process will go much faster and stronger. Therefore, to avoid this, the car interior should be cleaned, during which the seats should be vacuumed and the plastic cleaned, and the windows should be wiped with a special microfiber cloth. So another visit to the car wash can also save you from a problem you never thought you’d have. Well, if you want to save money, nobody prevents you from cleaning the salon yourself.
What to do if your car window is sweating
Vapor on the windows of the car is a common problem. It not only interferes with comfortable driving, but also reduces traffic safety. Visibility of the road with sweaty windows decreases significantly. It is inconvenient for both beginners and experienced motorists. Absolutely any driver does not like it when the window in the car sweats. What to do in this situation, we will tell in our article.
7 main reasons why the windows in the car get sweaty
In order to somehow see the road, the driver is forced to wipe the windows, which sweat. You have to do it with improvised means, which distracts attention from the road.
There are several reasons why car windows sweat:
- Different temperatures outside the window and inside the car . This can happen when it’s cool outside, such as in the spring and fall or winter. Or even in summer, when the air is not yet warm in the early morning. In this case, moisture settles on the glass – condensation forms.
- In wet weather . In heavy precipitation, whether rain or snow, the level of moisture inside the car increases. Moisture gets inside through the doors and windows, as well as with passengers. Water evaporates from umbrellas, clothing, shoes and even wet mats.
- Radiator malfunction . When the coolant leaks, a lot of vapor is produced in the car. This results in a lot of vapor on the windshield, with oily particles. If this happens, it is necessary to check the cooling system immediately.
- If the air conditioning filter is clogged because of dust or oily vapors.
- Insufficient drying of the interior after a visit to the car wash .
- If the climate system does not work properly or breaks down. With this malfunction, the passenger compartment is no longer dehumidified, but the humid air is blown in.
- Very drunk passengers in the passenger compartment . The vapors from drinking alcohol will settle on the car windows. And alcohol perfectly absorbs water, due to which condensation soon begins to form on the windows.
What to do if the cabin windows sweat: a few simple rules
There are a number of simple rules, following which you can avoid the situation when the windows in the car sweat.
The main thing to do is to minimize the penetration of water inside the cabin. Shake off snow and rain drops from your shoes. Put a wet umbrella in a tight bag and tie it up. Avoid putting wet items in the passenger compartment. Make sure mats and seats always stay dry after a trip. Regularly check under the hood to see if the drainage system is clogged. During cool weather, remove leaves and snow from the grille on the hood. If you don’t, moisture from melted snow and wet leaves will begin to penetrate inside the cabin after you turn on the heater.
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It happens that the windows sweat, even if you follow all the above tips. What to do in this case to fix the problem? The fastest and easiest way to remove sweat is to direct the air flow to the windows from the air conditioner. Blowing thus should be turned on a maximum. Conditioner not only dries air in the salon, but also removes excess moisture. To speed up the process, you should close the central air holes. This method is especially effective when the windshield sweats from the inside. What to do if there is still vapor on the rear and side windows? In this case, you just need to wait. The air conditioner is not able to dry out the whole salon and the air inside the car at once.
If the air conditioner is on, but windows in the car sweat all the same, it is necessary to check up cabin filter. When it is clogged with dust and contaminated with oil particles, then the humid air can not go out of the car in a sufficient volume. Part of the moisture stays inside and settles on the windows. The location of the cabin filter depends on the make of the car. What to do to find it? Check the data sheet. There you will also find information on how often you need to change these filters. Unfortunately, motorists do it much less often than it should be. That’s why there are problems with air circulation inside the car. Changing the filter is an uncomplicated procedure, which you can regularly do yourself.
What to do if the car windows sweat a lot in the rain
Glasses in passenger compartments have been sweating almost since the beginning of the car era. This problem in one way or another solves more than one generation of drivers. The easiest thing to do is to wipe the windows with a rag. The effect of such actions is usually enough for no more than 300-400 meters, and then you have to do the same thing again. We will not consider this method seriously, because this way you do not eliminate the cause, but only fight with the consequences.
So what should you do if your car windows sweat in the rain? The first thing to do is to properly set the ventilation in the cabin. Remember that air recirculation in humid weather will only cause the windows to sweat more. In the rain, it is better to switch off outside air intake function. You should switch fan to blowing (sometimes you have to set maximal power) and direct air stream to windows. Some people do not like to do so because of too much noise, but this method still brings quick and guaranteed results.
What else you can do? For example, you can air the salon. The essence is that the difference of temperatures outside and inside the car is leveled. But in the rain, and even during the movement of the car to do so is simply dangerous. A fair portion of water from puddles can get into the interior from under wheels of oncoming cars, not to mention that rain pours through the open windows.
If you turn up the temperature inside, it may help to cope with sweaty windows in some cases. Turn on the heater and blow the air from the deflectors, the window should be slightly open. The warm air will help the moisture to evaporate, and the small drops will disappear. However, this method does not always work.
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The most effective method of combating window misting in the rain is considered the use of air conditioning or climate control system. Usually, after turning them on, the glass is cleaned in less than a minute. It happens because the air conditioner dries the air in the cabin. But if rainy weather persists for a long time, it becomes problematic to drive with air conditioner constantly switched on.
It is not hot in the street during rain, and switching on air conditioner in this situation draws on resources of the engine. The windows do not sweat, but the gasoline is consumed more.
It is also possible to use one more simple method: good drying of interior with a hair dryer. After all, upholstery fabric absorbs moisture and may retain it for a long time.
What to do if the car windows sweat in winter
In winter, the windows can sweat a lot. What to do in this case? If the car is modern, there is no such problem, because most often the car has a function of window heating. Due to this, the windows quickly dry out, and the driving again becomes comfortable.
An alternative method is to turn the heating to maximum and direct the air to the windshield. To keep the cabin from getting too hot, the side windows can be ajar.
To avoid excessive heating of the cabin, you can use modern anti-condensation products. Once applied, they form a protective layer that prevents the glass from sweating.
Some car owners install panels with electric heating in the car. This requires a financial investment, but it pays off with the comfort and safety of the ride.
Another fairly effective method of combating condensation is the use of a special film. It is made of polycarbonate, a durable polymer that is resistant to abrasion. The film adheres tightly to the glass thanks to notches and transparent adhesive applied to the underside. The outer layer repels humidity because of the hydrophobic properties of the material, so that all water is rolled away before the glass begins to sweat.
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Gluing this film is not a difficult process, but it requires care. First, a piece of material is cut to the shape of the window. The piece should be slightly larger than necessary. It is important to clean, degrease and dry the glass itself. Then the protective coating is removed from the film, and it is applied to the glass. The resulting bubbles are removed with a special spatula.
Using special means against fogging of glasses in the car
Such preparations are popularly called differently: “anti-rain”, “anti-fogger”, “anti-condensate”. All these compositions are designed to combat the accumulation of moisture. They create a film on the surface, which prevents the glass from sweating. Such means can be used both outside and inside the car. “Anticondensate” is available in two types.
“Anti-rain” is most often sold in bottles with a sprayer. Thanks to this, the composition is easy to spray on the surface. When choosing a particular composition, you need to look at exactly what the product does. Some of them work by repelling moisture. These are better suited for the outside of glass. The same ones that do not even allow moisture droplets to form, you can safely use when the glass sweats inside the cabin. What to do, it is now clear, then we will tell you exactly how to apply the product.
Here everything is simple. “Anti-fogger” should be applied to clean glass, and then rub it on the surface. A film is obtained, which will not allow the window to sweat anymore.
These products are more concentrated. The rules for application are similar to those of a sprayer. The main advantage of compositions in the form of mastic is their combined action. They not only prevent the formation of moisture, but also make the surface water-repellent, due to which windows stop sweating. Such means retain their effect longer after application, as the layer is thicker than when using liquids.
If it is winter outside, and you do not have at hand a specialized tool against sweating, you can save the situation with an ordinary washer or “antild. The problem with condensation will be solved for a couple of days, if you apply such compositions on the glass inside the cabin.
Folk methods to combat glass fogging
We will also tell you about some folk methods of solving the problem of fogged windows in the car. These methods effectively cope with the appearance of condensation on the windshield, and the necessary materials and tools are easy to buy and outside specialized auto stores. When sweating windows in the car, it will help:
- Food-grade table salt. You need to do the following: rub a solution of salt on the dashboard of the car, as well as place bags of dry salt on the dashboard.
- Lemon. Half a lemon is rubbed on all the glass in the car. A pleasant bonus of this method is the aroma of lemon in the cabin.
- Soap (both toilet and laundry soap can be used). First, a piece of soap draws random lines on the glass, then a damp cloth rubs over the entire area – this is done for an even application.
- Shaving cream. It should be applied faster than soap, but in general the action is similar.
- Alcohol mixed with glycerin. You make a mixture in the proportion 1:20. Apply the resulting composition with cotton pads, a cloth or a spray gun.
Before using any of these methods, the surface to be treated should be cleaned of dirt and dried. It is more convenient to do it with a cloth or sponge, but also crumpled newspapers will do.
2 simple methods to combat window fogging video:
What means against window misting are the most effective: the opinion of motorists
“Instead of antifogger in the form of liquid, you can use a special cloth (antifogger and antifogger). It is impregnated with a special chemical solution. There are instructions on the package, but even without it everything is clear. The only thing is that this cloth must be soaked in water before use, so the impregnation becomes active. Then you can wipe the glass with it. It works flawlessly – the surface will not sweat and everything is perfectly visible. I came across these wipes by accident. When I asked the store what to do to stop window sweating, they suggested this option instead of anti-fogging liquid.
“They say that if the windows in the car are sweating, it’s someone breathing out drunken alcohol. I’m not sure that’s the only reason. In my car, especially in winter, if you take the air out of the window – it immediately fogs up. Can’t see anything, annoying terribly. To solve the problem, I bought Grass Antifog.
I chose this brand because I already successfully used other products by Grass Trading House. The product is in a bottle with a sprayer, so it is easy to apply. There is also a fixing button, so that after use it does not leak anywhere. The bottle itself has a detailed description of how to apply and what the product is made of. Processed with this compound only once so far. I’ve been driving for over a week, nothing sweats and there is almost no smell. So the product is effective. The only thing on the package says that it can be stored at a temperature of +5 degrees. Since we now have frosts, I do not leave it in the car. This is, perhaps, the only inconvenience.
Last year I used Rain-X antifogger to keep the rear window of my hatch from sweating. I didn’t like the result, it left streaks all the time. Apparently, I did not make a completely even layer. Recently I saw it again and decided to give it a second chance. I tried it first on the bathroom mirror. I followed the instructions: carefully washed, wiped, applied the cleaner and used a microfiber to finish. The result was reassuring – the mirror almost did not sweat. I decided to clean side windows and windshield. What can I say. It works on the sides, but not so much on the windshield. It is too difficult to wipe, dries quickly, because of which it is not clear where you already treated and where you did not. I think I treated it with a microfiber, but it still leaves streaks. Glass, however, less sweat, but the coating is too delicate. If you touch it with your hand or rag, that’s it, you have done nothing. And even with time there are stains, probably from the condensate. I put a lot of work into it, but the result is not really proportional. If you’re going to use it, it should be where you can’t accidentally rub it off: on the rearview mirror or the rear window.
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P . S . In the bathroom, too, was briefly happy with the effect. Wiped with a napkin a few drops of water from the shower – and no coating.
“When I was looking for something from the antifog series, I also wondered what to do when the windows inside the car sweat. In “Lenta” I came across bottles of EXPERT antifogger. I decided to try it, since the price was only about 100 rubles per package. As for the antifogging I can not give recommendations – I have not used yet. But with the antifogger I treated everything on the day of purchase, following the instructions. The effect was a pleasant surprise at once – the windows did not sweat. But I was happy for only one day. Although the product smelled like alcohol, it left some oily streaks. Now I think I will try something more expensive. EXPERT works for its price. I definitely won’t buy it again, I don’t like oil stained glass.
Just before cold weather and impending rains I bought Tortle Wax.. Anti-rain from the same manufacturer I already had, I just had no time to apply it according to technology. I decided this season to prepare in advance and avoid situations when the glass is sweating and you can not see anything. So at the end of summer I treated glass with antifog and anticondensate outside and inside, respectively.
The effect of anti-rain is some, although I have not noticed anything magical. The product does make the surface a little water repellent. Rain drops are blown off the side windows when you move, and the wipers on the windshield somehow glide better.
The effect of anti-condensation is surprisingly good. When I did the treatment, I did not expect that the windows would not sweat. And this also applies to the rear of the cabin. I even made an experiment. When five people sat in the car soaked after a walk in the woods in the rain, I closed the windows and turned off the air. Surprisingly, the windows remained transparent, no “fog” appeared. Physics is physics: there was condensation after all. But this could be determined only by running a finger over it. Then it became clear that the surface was still wet.
Thanks to the product the moisture was not deposited in small drops, forming vapor, but was distributed over the surface in a thin film. To the eye such a thin layer of water is not noticeable at all. In summary, I can say that it improves visibility in rainy and cold weather. It’s an excellent solution, so the windows won’t sweat.
I have not used the anti-fogger, but once tried to put Liqui anti-drizzle on the windows in the cabin. I liked the result: small drops gathered into large ones and trickled down the window without obstructing my view. But, probably, it would be a good idea to buy a special agent for this purpose.
