Do You Need to Turn on AC for Car Defogging in Winter?
2 Answers
In winter, you don't need to turn on the AC for car defogging. The AC is the compressor switch, which is the air conditioning cooling switch. Pressing this button will activate the car's air conditioning to cool. Methods for car defogging in winter include: 1. Open the car window; 2. Use defogging spray; 3. Turn on the warm air from the air conditioning; 4. Activate the car's defogging function; 5. Apply a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water or soapy water to the window; 6. Place a dehumidifier box inside the car; 7. Wipe with a towel. The reason for car fogging is: The temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car causes water vapor inside the cabin to condense on the inner windshield, forming fog.
I find that turning on the AC is indeed very helpful for defogging the car in winter. Based on my driving experience, fogging occurs because the humidity inside the car is too high while it's cold outside, causing condensation on the windows that blocks visibility. The dehumidification function of the AC quickly removes moisture, making the windows clear. I remember one time driving in heavy snow when fog suddenly appeared, making it hard to see. I quickly turned on the heater plus the AC button, and the fog disappeared within minutes. If I hadn’t done that, it might have led to an accident, so for safety, it's best to use the AC as an aid. Additionally, opening the windows for ventilation can also quickly defog the car, but it’s too cold and uncomfortable in deep winter—the AC is more convenient. I also prefer using the recirculation mode to lock in dry air and avoid outside moisture from entering. In short, combining the heater and AC makes defogging faster and more reliable.