How to defog your windshield regardless hot or cold weather

Visibility is very important when driving. Clear windows and windshield are the keys for good road visibility. However, there are factors that affect the visibility of drivers on the road. Window fogging, for example, can block the sight of drivers. Fogs form on windows and windshield when air with different temperatures meet.

So, if you encounter window fogging during the summer, it is caused by the hot air outside that hits the cool windshield of your car.

It’s an advantage when you understand how the fog is formed simply because it can help you prevent and get rid of the fogging providing you a much better view of the road and your surroundings while driving.

Philkotse.com values your safety which is why we prepared tips and guide on how to remove and prevent window fogging.

1. Why fogs build up in the windshield?

The fogs that accumulate in the windshield is caused by the condensation on the windshield's inner surface. Condensation on the windshield occurs when there’s high humidity inside the car. The fogging is formed because the air temperature outside is colder compared to the temperature in the car’s cabin.

The fogs on the windshield are caused by the condensation on the windshield's inner surface

When there is more humid air that comes in contact with a cold windshield, it will release moisture thus leaving condensation or buildup of fog on the glass.

>>> Related: How to clean your car’s windshield from the inside in 4 steps

2. How to remove fogging in hot weather

Turn down the car’s air condition when it’s warm outside

When your windows are getting foggy in the summer, lower down the car’s air conditioner. Doing so will allow the car to warm up. This will match the temperature of the inside air and the outside air.

You can also try opening the windows, just enough to allow the air from the inside to come inside the car. It also prevents the car to become too stifling.

When your windows are getting foggy in the summer, lower down the car’s air conditioner

Turn on the windshield wiper

During summer, most probably the fogging will be outside the windshield. You can easily get rid of it by turning on your windshield wiper. Turn on the windshield wiper in the lowest possible setting. Let it run until the fog is completely gone.

Turn on the windshield wiper in the lowest possible setting

>>> Check out: 

• When & how to replace your windshield wiper blades.
• How to install windshield wiper blades: 6 steps to follow.  

Open car windows

This is one of the quickest ways to match both the temperature of the inside and outside of the car. Roll the windows down as far as you can to allow the warm air from the outside to get into the cool temperature of the interior of the car.

3. How to remove fogging in cold weather

Change the air source

Some cars are already equipped with option buttons allowing you to recirculate air that is already inside the vehicle or to pull in the air from the outside. When the windshield of your car is already fogging, switch the setting of the car so the air from the outside of the car will be pulled into the inside of the car.

Switch the setting of the car so the air from the outside of the car will be pulled into the inside of the car

Search for the button that shows a small car with the arrow pointing inside the vehicle. Tap that button so the light on its upper part is on. To turn the light off, tap the options button indicating a car with the circular arrow inside it. It will also turn off the recirculate function of air inside the vehicle.

Reduce the temperature inside the car

As stated earlier, fog is formed by the differing temperatures of air. By matching the air temperature inside the car to the air temperature outside, will lessen the formation of fog.

Adjust the car fans to the highest setting then adjust the air temperature down up to the coldest temperature you can bear. This method is the fastest and also the coldest. Be ready to shiver a bit.

Adjust the car fans to the highest setting then adjust the air temperature down up to the coldest temperature you can bear

Turn the defrost vent on with cool air

The cool air helps the temperature of the windshield match the temperature of the air outside, even of the defrost vent directs the air at the car’s windshield. This method helps in eliminating the fog on the car’s windshield.

4. 3 ways to prevent fog on the car’s windshield

#1: Use silica cat litter

You can prevent glass fogging by filling a sock with a silica cat litter. Use a piece of string to tie off the sock’s end. Then place 1 or 2 full socks close to the front of the dashboard. This will absorb the moisture present inside the car overnight, thus preventing the buildup of fog.

#2: Apply shaving cream to the windshield

When choosing a shaving cream as DIY windshield washer, choose the type that creates a form when squirted out of the bottle or can. In a small cloth, spray a decent amount of cream then spread it over to the whole windshield.

To wipe it off, you a different rag, make sure it’s clean and dry. It will make a moisture barrier on the car’s window. It will prevent the buildup of fog.

When choosing a shaving cream, choose the type that creates a form when squirted out of the bottle or can

#3: Roll the windows down if possible

If possible and if your vehicle is in a safe and secure place, roll down the windows for about half an inch or so. By doing this, you allow the outside air to get inside the vehicle. and it also prevents the buildup of fogs in the windshield.

This specific method works best during summer since rainwater might get into the car interiors when the windows are left ajar during rainy seasons.

With fogged windows, it is difficult for the driver to see the road and the surroundings clearly

Clean windshield and car windows are crucial to ensure that a driver will have a safe and secure ride. These important car glasses provide visibility of the road and the car’s surroundings. Dust and dirt can already reduce the capability of a driver to better see the road. Which is why it is important that you always keep your windshield and windows clean.

Aside from dirt and dust particles, window fogging is also a common issue. With fogged windows, it is difficult for the driver to see the road and the surroundings clearly.

That’s why you, as a driver should be armed with proper information on how to prevent and remove fog buildup in your car’s windows and windshield. With this, you allow yourself to have a better and safer ride.

Care about your car and its maintenance tricks? Check our practical tips and advice for maintaining your car.