How to Deal with Fogging on the Windshield When Using Air Conditioning in Summer?
3 Answers
Here are methods to defog the windshield in summer: 1. First, turn on the car's air conditioning, set it to the hot air position, then activate the external circulation mode. Direct the air vents toward the windshield to blow hot air directly, allowing outside air to enter the car. Generally, the fog on the windshield will dissipate in about 5 minutes. This defogging method utilizes the heat generated by the engine after operation. As mentioned in methods for handling window fogging, this approach does not increase the vehicle's fuel consumption, making it an economical and effective defogging method. Although the defogging speed is not very fast, it is economical and practical when combined with wiping with a towel. 2. If the fog is not heavy, you can open a small gap in the side windows to allow air convection inside the car. This gradually equalizes the interior temperature with the outside temperature, causing the fog to dissipate. This method achieves the effect of using air conditioning without increasing fuel consumption. However, it is not suitable for all situations, such as rainy days.
In summer, when the air conditioning is on, the windshield often fogs up, which is a frequent annoyance I encounter while driving. The main reason is the significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car. The cold air from the AC blows directly onto the warm glass, causing moisture to condense and form fog. The solution is simple: before turning on the AC, first activate the defogging mode (that’s the button with the fan-shaped icon), set the fan to maximum speed directed at the windshield, and keep the temperature moderate, around 20 to 22 degrees. If the fog is already thick, pull over immediately, open the windows for a few minutes to allow air circulation and reduce humidity before closing them again. I’ve also noticed that high humidity inside the car in summer—like when clothes are wet or it’s raining—makes fogging more likely. So, it’s best to avoid leaving the car exposed to the sun for too long when parked, or use the external air circulation mode to balance the air. These methods are very practical and have solved my daily troubles, preventing the dangerous situation of blurred vision while driving.
As someone who frequently takes family trips, fogging issues are a major concern for my driving safety. In summer, turning on the air conditioning easily causes fogging because the interior air is cold while the glass is hot, creating condensation due to the temperature difference. Key measures: Press the defog button immediately after starting the car, directing the airflow toward the windshield, and adjust the temperature to around 25 degrees to avoid excessive cooling. Also, check if the air conditioning is set to recirculation mode—switching to fresh air mode can reduce humidity buildup. If fog appears quickly, don’t panic while driving; first pull over, open the windows slightly for ventilation, and wait for the fog to clear before continuing. For regular car maintenance, don’t forget to periodically clean the glass and replace the cabin air filter to prevent dust from worsening the problem. Developing these small habits makes driving much safer—I’ve never had an incident while taking my kids out since.
