The low temperatures and rainfall that prevail during this period create the ideal conditions for foggy car windows. Whether you drive a city car or you've "taken" the mountains in your favorite SUV, fogging of windows due to moisture is a common occurrence.

Why Do Car Windows Fog Up?

Cold temperatures and rainy weather create the perfect conditions for foggy car windows. Whether you're driving a city car or exploring the mountains in your favorite SUV, window fogging due to humidity is a common issue.

Simply put, the difference between the cold temperature outside and the warmer air inside the car—either from the heater or our breath—causes condensation to form on the windows. Rain and humidity make the problem worse since water on the windshield lowers its temperature even further, intensifying the fogging effect. That’s why this issue is most common in winter.

Many drivers are unsure how to quickly defog their windows and start driving with limited visibility because they are in a hurry. This is extremely dangerous. All you need to know is the fastest and most effective way to clear your windshield.

The 4 Key Factors for Defogging Car Windows

1. Car Heater

2. Air Conditioning

3. Air Circulation in the Cabin

4. Window Position

How to Effectively Defog Your Car Windows

Turn the heater on full blast:
Hot air absorbs moisture more effectively.

Turn on the air conditioning:
Running the AC along with the heater helps because the AC compressor removes moisture from the cabin.

Set air circulation to bring in fresh air from outside:
Bringing cold winter air into the cabin and then heating it up helps absorb moisture.

Slightly open the windows:
Even a few seconds of letting fresh air in can help remove humid air from the cabin and allow dry, cool air to replace it.

Pro Tip: Keep Your Windows Clean

Car windows will fog up less if they are kept as clean as possible. Dirt and dust particles trap moisture more easily than a clean glass surface. Regularly cleaning the inside of your windows helps prevent excessive fogging.

Additionally, there are commercial anti-fog products available, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, rubbing alcohol can help. After cleaning your windows thoroughly, apply a small amount of alcohol across the glass surface. This creates a protective film that slows down fogging.

Don't let foggy windows stop you from enjoying your drives. Now that you know how to effectively defog them, visit FlexCar and find the car of your dreams!