How to Deal with Foggy Windshield When Driving in Rainy Days?
2 Answers
Press the defogging button, turn on the air conditioning cooling (A/C) switch, set the temperature to the lowest, and turn on the external circulation to defog. Both cold and warm air can be used to defog the car windows, but warm air is slower than cold air. The most effective method is to use cold air, which blows dry cold air directly onto the glass, preventing water vapor from condensing on the glass and achieving the purpose of defogging. The method of using warm air to defog is the same as using cold air, but it should be noted that warm air should not be used for defogging on rainy days, as it will initially increase the fog. When the car windows are foggy, the external circulation should be turned on. The reason for car window fogging: There is a certain temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car. If the temperatures inside and outside the car are different, the surface with the lower temperature will have a saturated vapor pressure lower than the surrounding environment, causing water vapor to gather on the glass surface and form tiny water droplets, resulting in fog. Methods to defog car windows: Air conditioning cooling: Use the air conditioning's dehumidification function to reduce air humidity and remove fog. In summer, especially when multiple people enter the car and the air conditioning is not turned on in time, the humidity of the exhaled air is high, and the windshield will quickly fog up. At this time, you can turn on the air conditioning to blow cold air onto the windshield and use the air conditioning's dehumidification function to quickly remove the fog. However, if the humidity is too high and the air conditioning is not effective, you can slightly open the window to quickly reduce the humidity inside the car. Of course, it can also be used in combination with the air conditioning for faster results. Air conditioning warm air: Use the method of reducing the temperature difference to remove fog. In winter, use warm air to blow hot air onto the glass to quickly increase the temperature of the windshield and reduce the temperature difference between the inside and outside surfaces of the window, which can prevent excessive fogging of the windshield in time. However, it should be noted that the temperature of the rear and side windows rises slowly, so it takes a longer time to remove all the fog. Whether it is automatic or manual air conditioning, turning on the air conditioning helps with dehumidification; the air conditioning temperature control should not be set to the coldest position, otherwise, the outer surface of the windshield may fog up after prolonged use. Spraying anti-fog agents for prevention: Spray a small amount of defogging agent on the car windows and wipe it clean to remove dirt and stains. While polishing the glass, a thin transparent protective film is formed on the glass, which can effectively prevent water vapor from condensing on the glass and forming fog, especially suitable for cold winters. Alternatives to anti-fog agents include dishwashing liquid, soapy water, glycerin, alcohol, or salt water. After drying, use chamois or a soft dry cloth to wipe off excess fibers, which can ensure that the car windows do not fog up for several days. Opening windows for convection: If the fog inside the car is not heavy, you can open the windows on both sides to create convection between the inside and outside air, reducing the temperature difference and slowly dissipating the fog. The principle of this method is the same as using cold air from the air conditioning. The disadvantage of opening windows for convection is very obvious: it cannot be used in rainy or snowy weather, on highways, or when the fog is heavy. Rear window heating: Most cars basically have a rear window electric heating function, although the button positions may vary, the functions are the same. Turn on the window heating switch, and the fog on the rear window will disappear in about a minute.
With my extensive driving experience, fogging on the windshield during rainy days is usually caused by condensation due to significant temperature differences. As soon as this happens, I immediately press the defog button on the dashboard, typically marked with a fan-shaped symbol. Turning on the air conditioner and directing it towards the windshield while lowering the temperature can quickly clear the fog. Remember to activate the external circulation mode to let fresh air replace the moisture. If the fog is too thick and obstructs visibility, I first pull over safely and gently wipe the inside of the glass with a clean cloth. I always keep a bottle of anti-fog spray in my car; applying it helps reduce fog buildup. Driving slowly in the rain is crucial—only accelerate once visibility is clear. Prevention is key; regular glass cleaning can also mitigate the issue.