How to Defog a Car in Winter?
2 Answers
Methods for defogging a car in winter are as follows: 1. Dish soap mixed with water: Use kitchen dish soap mixed with water (1:6 ratio), apply evenly on the car's interior glass with a sponge, and wipe clean with a dry cloth after it dries, leaving no residue. Since dish soap contains surfactants, it can alter the surface tension of water, causing fog droplets to quickly coalesce into larger droplets, thereby preventing fogging. 2. Open windows for air circulation: If the fog inside the car is not too heavy, you can slightly open the windows on both sides to allow air circulation between the inside and outside of the car. This reduces the temperature difference and gradually dissipates the fog. The principle is similar to using the air conditioner's cold air but without increasing fuel consumption. However, this method has obvious drawbacks—it is not suitable during rain, snow, on highways, or when the fog is heavy. Additionally, opening the windows lowers the interior temperature. 3. Use the air conditioning system: Turn on the car's fan and cooling switch to blow cold air onto the windshield, which will quickly remove the fog. The effect is immediate. Initially, the fog inside the car may worsen due to the increased temperature difference, but once the warm air dries the moisture inside, the fog will disappear. If using this method, ensure to use the warm air to defog before driving and wait until the fog completely clears before hitting the road.
It's quite annoying when the windshield fogs up in winter while driving. As an experienced driver, I've long developed a set of methods. Don't rush to drive as soon as you get in the car. First, warm up the engine for five minutes to let the car heat up. Once the temperature rises, turn on the air conditioning to warm mode and switch to the defogging mode—the button with a small fan and an arrow symbol—then switch to the external circulation to let fresh air in and drive out the moisture. If the fog is too heavy, I quickly wipe the inside of the glass with a soft cloth. Keeping some anti-fog spray in the car and applying it to the glass can prevent condensation. The reason for fogging is that cold glass meets warm breath air, causing condensation. Keeping the windows clean and reducing the number of people breathing inside the car is very effective. For safety, if sudden fog makes it hard to see the road on the highway, immediately slow down, turn on the hazard lights, pull over safely, and then deal with it—never risk driving.
