···
Log in / Register

Should You Use Recirculation or Fresh Air Mode to Defog Car Windows?

4 Answers
DeclanMarie
09/02/25 7:24am

You should use the fresh air mode and press the defog button, turn on the air conditioning (A/C) switch, set the temperature to the lowest, and activate fresh air mode to remove fog. Both cold and warm air can defog car windows, but warm air works slower than cold air. The most effective method is using cold air, which blows dry cold air directly onto the glass, preventing water vapor from condensing on the surface and achieving defogging. The method for using warm air is the same as cold air, but note that warm air should not be used for defogging on rainy days as it may initially worsen the fogging. The reason for car window fogging: There is a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car. If the temperatures inside and outside the car differ, the surface with the lower temperature has a lower saturation vapor pressure than the surrounding environment, causing water vapor to accumulate 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 cooling and dehumidifying function to reduce air humidity and remove fog. In summer, especially when multiple people enter the car, if the air conditioning is not turned on promptly, the high humidity from exhaled breath can quickly cause the windshield to fog up. In this case, turn on the air conditioning to blow cold air onto the windshield, using its dehumidifying function to quickly remove fog. If the humidity is too high and the air conditioning is not effective, slightly open a window to rapidly reduce the humidity inside the cabin. Combining this with the air conditioning can speed up the process. Air Conditioning Heating: Use the method of reducing the temperature difference to remove fog. In winter, blowing warm air onto the glass quickly raises the temperature of the windshield, reducing the temperature difference between the inner and outer surfaces, thus preventing heavy fogging. However, note that the rear and side windows heat up more slowly, so it takes longer to completely remove fog. Whether using automatic or manual air conditioning, turning it on helps with dehumidification. Avoid setting the temperature to the coldest position, as prolonged use can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up. Applying Anti-Fog Spray: Spray a small amount of defogging agent on the car windows and wipe it clean to remove dirt and stains. This also forms a thin, transparent protective film on the glass, effectively preventing water vapor from condensing and forming fog, especially useful in cold winters. Alternatives to defogging agents include dish soap, soapy water, glycerin, alcohol, or saline solution. After applying, let it dry and then wipe off excess residue with a chamois or soft dry cloth. This can keep the windows fog-free for several days. Opening Windows for Airflow: If the fogging is not severe, opening the side windows can create airflow between the inside and outside of the car, reducing the temperature difference and gradually eliminating the fog. This method works on the same principle as using cold air from the air conditioning. However, it has obvious drawbacks: it cannot be used during rain or snow, on highways, or when the fogging is heavy. Rear Window Heating: Most cars have a rear window heating function, though the button location may vary. Turning on the rear window heating switch will typically clear the fog in about a minute.

Was this review help?
9
0
Share
LeJulian
09/15/25 2:36am

Foggy car windows are mainly caused by high humidity inside the vehicle, where moisture condenses on the cold glass. In this case, decisively turning on the external air circulation is more effective—it draws in dry air from outside to reduce humidity. When I first started driving, I also tried using the internal circulation, but the fog actually worsened, especially on rainy days or in winter. The exhaled moisture got trapped inside the car and couldn’t dissipate, quickly fogging up the windshield. If it’s so cold you get goosebumps, first turn on the air conditioning in cooling mode + external circulation to quickly dehumidify. Once the fog clears, switch to warm air to maintain temperature. By the way, the defog button actually automatically switches to external circulation + turns on the compressor, making it more convenient than manual operation. If there’s a big temperature difference between inside and outside the car, cracking the windows a bit can also be quite effective.

Was this review help?
13
4
Share
Expand All
DelTessa
10/29/25 3:13am

To solve foggy car windows, the key is to reduce interior humidity. Using the external air circulation is like turning on a ventilation fan for the cabin, directly introducing dry outside air—especially suitable for cold autumn and winter seasons. Internal circulation only recirculates the air inside the car; with more passengers, the exhaled moisture accumulates, making the windows increasingly blurry. I tested this during long drives—activating external circulation with the defogger cleared the windshield in under two minutes. Modern cars' defogging systems automatically switch to external circulation, while older models require manually pressing the AC button and adjusting fan speed. Remember to clean the cabin air filter regularly, or no circulation mode will work effectively.

Was this review help?
20
4
Share
Expand All
Josephine
12/12/25 3:25am

To defog car windows, always use the external air circulation. Internal circulation traps moisture inside the car, making it increasingly humid, especially when the heater is on. External circulation draws in dry, cold air to dilute the humidity. Once, while dropping my child off at school and stuck in traffic, the windows fogged up. I immediately switched to external air circulation + AC defogging mode, directing the vents toward the windshield, and the view cleared in thirty seconds. Don’t worry about fuel consumption; turning on the AC for dehumidification is the only way to fully resolve the issue. If you manually turn off the AC, humidity will quickly return. When parking, it’s best to lift the wipers to prevent icing, which can worsen fogging.

Was this review help?
16
3
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

Where is the fog light fuse located?

Under the steering wheel, the fourth one (marked with the number 4). Below is relevant information about fog lights: 1. Introduction: Installed at the front of the car, slightly lower than the headlights, they are used to illuminate the road during rainy or foggy weather. Due to low visibility in foggy conditions, the driver's line of sight is limited. The lights can increase the running distance, especially the strong light penetration of yellow anti-fog lights, which can improve the visibility of the driver and surrounding traffic participants, allowing oncoming vehicles and pedestrians to spot each other from a distance. 2. Classification: Anti-fog lights are divided into front fog lights and rear fog lights. Front fog lights are generally bright yellow, while rear fog lights are red. The symbol for the rear fog light differs slightly from that of the front fog light; the front fog light symbol has downward light lines, whereas the rear fog light's are parallel, usually located on the dashboard inside the car. Since anti-fog lights are bright and highly penetrating, they do not cause diffuse reflection due to fog, so proper use can effectively prevent accidents.
5
2
Share

Is gear shifting done manually or by following voice prompts?

Gear shifting is done by following voice prompts. When you hear the voice prompt for gear shifting, first press the accelerator to increase the speed in 2nd gear to 25 km/h, then press the clutch and shift to 3rd gear, release the clutch, and press the accelerator to increase the speed in 3rd gear to 30 km/h - 35 km/h, then shift to 4th gear, and finally downshift to 3rd gear. Below is a detailed introduction to the method of gear shifting for the third subject of the driving test: 1. Upshifting method: Start in 1st gear, quickly shift to 2nd gear after accelerating, and then shift to 3rd gear after further acceleration. After that, you can shift to 4th gear by accelerating. 2. Downshifting method: Downshifting requires first pressing the brake to reduce speed, then pressing the clutch to downshift. Quickly press the clutch, slowly release the clutch, slowly press the accelerator, and slowly release the accelerator. When preparing to shift gears, first slowly release the accelerator, but if the accelerator is not fully released when the clutch is pressed, you can still immediately release the accelerator without affecting the stability of the car.
13
4
Share

What are the dimensions of the Jetta VS5 in terms of length, width, and height?

In terms of body dimensions, the Jetta VS5 has a length of 4419mm, a width of 1841mm, a height of 1616mm, and a wheelbase of 2630mm. Below are the specific details about the Jetta VS5: 1. Powertrain Configuration: It is equipped with a 1.4T L4 turbocharged engine, model EA211-DJS. This engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 150PS, a maximum power output of 110kW at 5000-6000rpm, and a maximum torque of 250N·m at 1750-3000rpm. It is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain is front-wheel drive, with a front suspension type of MacPherson independent suspension and a rear suspension type of multi-link independent suspension. 2. Exterior: The Jetta VS5 is the first SUV model under the Jetta brand. Its front face adopts Volkswagen's X design elements, extending bidirectionally towards the hood and lower grille. The side profile design continues the Volkswagen brand's styling, with lines running throughout the body.
4
1
Share

What is the function of the buttons on the right-hand door of the Volkswagen Jetta?

The buttons on the right-hand door of the Volkswagen Jetta are used to control the vehicle's window lift. Below is a detailed explanation of the various buttons in the Volkswagen Jetta: Central Control Buttons: SYNC is the dual-zone air conditioning switch. Models equipped with dual-zone air conditioning allow separate temperature control for the driver and front passenger. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) effectively prevents loss of control such as skidding or fishtailing, and it is generally not recommended for drivers to manually turn it off. The hazard warning lights, commonly known as the emergency flashers, serve to alert surrounding vehicles to prevent rear-end collisions. The volume adjustment buttons control the multimedia volume and can also be used to skip tracks. Door Buttons: The driver's door features a rear window lock button, one-touch up/down window control switches for all four doors, an exterior rearview mirror adjustment switch, and the trunk release button located below the door handle. Ceiling Buttons: These include the welcome light, driver's reading light, front passenger reading light, interior light switch, and sunroof switch.
15
2
Share

Where is the air conditioning filter of Roewe 750 located?

Roewe 750's air conditioning filter is located in the engine compartment, beneath the front windshield. If you wish to replace the air conditioning filter, it is recommended to visit a 4S shop or a professional auto repair shop and have a technician perform the replacement. The function of the air conditioning filter is to filter out particles and impurities in the air, ensuring fresh air inside the vehicle. Over time, the air conditioning filter can become clogged. If it is not replaced promptly after clogging, it will no longer serve its filtering purpose. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the air conditioning filter approximately every 20,000 kilometers. The Roewe 750 has been discontinued. The 2011 Roewe 750 model is positioned as a mid-size car, with body dimensions of 4865mm in length, 1765mm in width, and 1422mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2849mm. In terms of power, this car is equipped with a 1.8T inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 2.5L V-type 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine.
5
0
Share

What is the symbol for China National VI vehicle emission standard?

The symbol for China National VI standard is 'VI'; China National I standard is 'I'; China National II standard is 'II'; China National III standard is 'III'; China National IV standard is 'IV'; China National V standard is 'V'. On July 1, 2000, China first introduced the National I emission standard. As it was based on European emission standards and aligned with international standards, Roman numerals were also used in the symbols from National I to National VI. New emission standards have been introduced every few years since then. The National VI symbol is located on the vehicle nameplate, under the passenger seat B-pillar: 1. Check the vehicle's environmental protection label: The simplest way to identify the National VI symbol is to look at the vehicle's environmental protection label, where the 'Emission Standard' section will indicate the national standard level; 2. The 'National VI Standard' is divided into two phases: 'National VI a' and 'National VI b', planned to be uniformly implemented nationwide on July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2023, respectively. However, the National VI standard is extremely stringent; its requirements are far higher than the European Euro 6 emission standards and the U.S. Tier 3 standards, making it one of the strictest emission standards globally. The implementation period for the National VI standard will also be longer.
7
5
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.