How to Defog a Car in Cold Weather?
2 Answers
Methods to defog a car in cold weather: 1. For cars equipped with automatic air conditioning, press the front windshield defrost button, and outside air will enter the car while the system automatically selects the air conditioning mode; 2. For cars with manual air conditioning, turn the air supply knob to the defogging position, manually adjust the air volume, and the air conditioning will default to the external circulation mode. Some older models use a manual lever to switch between internal and external circulation, and it is recommended to manually select the external circulation mode for defogging; 3. Use the rear window heater to defrost or defog the rear windshield. Whether the car has manual or automatic air conditioning, there is a separate switch button on the air conditioning panel for this function.
I have years of driving experience, especially in cold northern regions, where defogging is a must-have skill in winter. When the weather is cold, fogging inside the car mainly occurs due to the large temperature difference—the warm air exhaled by people condenses into water droplets when it hits the icy windshield. A simple method is to turn on the heater at maximum setting immediately after starting the car, directing it toward the front windshield, while also activating the external circulation to let fresh, dry air in. The fog will clear in about three to five minutes. Don’t forget to use the air conditioning’s dehumidification function—it works wonders. I also make it a habit to keep an anti-fog spray in the car; just spray it on the glass and wipe for instant fog prevention, saving time and effort. Regularly cleaning the inside of the windows to prevent dust buildup can also reduce the frequency of fogging. Warming up the car for a minute or two before driving in winter helps balance the temperature. Remember not to wipe the glass vigorously with a wet cloth, as this can make the fog worse. Keeping the humidity low inside the car is key—for example, avoid leaving wet umbrellas or clothes on the back seat.
