Should You Use Cold or Hot Air to Defog the Car in Autumn?
3 Answers
In autumn, you should use cold air to defog the car. How to use the car air conditioning: Generally, the blue button on the left side of the car represents cold air, while the red one represents warm air, and the middle one represents a moderate temperature. To turn on the cold air, adjust the left button toward the blue area. When you need warm air, adjust it toward the red area and press the AC switch. The middle button controls the fan speed, and the one on the far right adjusts the mode—you can set it to blow air only at the feet, hands, or windshield, or use two modes simultaneously. The function of car air conditioning: The car air conditioning system regulates and controls the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and airflow inside the car cabin to create a comfortable environment for passengers, reduce travel fatigue, and provide optimal working conditions for the driver. It is a crucial ventilation device that ensures safe driving.
In autumn when there's condensation (window fogging) inside the car, I recommend turning on the heater along with the air conditioning dehumidification function (AC button). While using cold air removes fog quickly, it cools down the interior air which might cause discomfort during the slightly chilly autumn season. The heater provides warmth, but using heat alone without dehumidification only heats up the moisture without completely eliminating it, allowing fog to potentially reappear. Pressing the AC button activates the compressor for effective dehumidification with stable results. I've also found that turning on external circulation ventilation for a few seconds when starting the car to expel humidity before closing windows and beginning heated defogging, combined with directing the fan speed toward the windshield, works more efficiently. Regular maintenance of AC filters to prevent odors is also important - autumn's significant temperature fluctuations and high humidity demand clear visibility as the top safety priority. Don't cut corners by using just one method; balancing comfort and efficiency is key.
As a new car owner, I recently faced this issue. During my commute, when the windshield fogged up, I tried turning on the AC which cleared it instantly, but the chilly autumn mornings made it unbearable. Switching to warm air with the AC button for dehumidification worked much better—keeping me warm without leaving any fog. Daily tip: If the fog is heavy before driving, open the windows for a few seconds to ventilate, then close them and turn on warm air + AC, with the fan set higher. Also, during frequent autumn rains, use warm air to prevent mold—don’t just rely on cold air to freeze yourself, as it can affect driving focus. Ensure a dry and comfortable cabin environment for a safe and distraction-free drive.