Is it necessary to turn on AC for defogging in winter?
2 Answers
It is not mandatory to turn on AC for defogging in winter. Here are some related defogging methods: Winter defogging methods include: (1) Open the car windows. (2) Use defogging spray. (3) Turn on the car's heating system. (4) Activate the car's defogging function. (5) Apply a mixture of dish soap and water or soapy water to the windows. (6) Place dehumidifying boxes inside the car. (7) Wipe with a towel. The reason for fog formation is: The temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car, where the cabin temperature is higher than the outside, causes water vapor inside the cabin to condense on the inner windshield, forming fog. Methods to prevent car fogging include: (1) Use specialized defogging products before driving. (2) Utilize the air conditioning's dehumidification function to reduce air humidity.
In winter, you don't necessarily have to turn on the AC when the car windows fog up, as I can share from years of driving experience. Turning on the AC can quickly defog because it uses the cooling function to remove moisture from the air, which is very effective, especially when the fog is heavy, as it can immediately clear your vision. However, turning on the heater can also defog, just a bit slower, as it heats the air to evaporate the moisture. I think if the temperature inside the car isn't too low, trying the warm air blowing on the windshield first can also work well. Additionally, using the defrost mode or slightly opening the windows to increase air circulation is very helpful. Safety comes first, so once fog appears, it must be dealt with quickly to avoid driving hazards. For prevention, it's recommended to regularly clean the inside of the windows to prevent dust and water buildup. Although turning on the AC is efficient, it may slightly increase fuel consumption, so weighing the options, my personal preference is to only turn it on when urgently needed.
