What are the methods for defogging while driving in winter?
4 Answers
Methods for defogging while driving in winter: 1. Reduce the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car, using cold air to defog; 2. Lower humidity, using warm air to dry and defog; 3. Open windows for air convection; 4. Use professional defogging spray: Before using the anti-fog spray, first clean the inside of the windshield, then spray an appropriate amount of the anti-fog spray, wait for it to solidify, and wipe it clean with a clean towel. Many cars now come with a front defogging button, which uses the compressor to produce cold air and blows it onto the fogged windshield, adjusting the temperature inside the car to be similar to that outside. The advantage of this method is that it can quickly remove window fog, suitable for sudden fogging. However, its drawback is also obvious—the sudden temperature drop may cause the car glass to crack due to thermal expansion and contraction.
In winter, to defog the car, I usually start the vehicle and let the engine warm up for a minute or two, then turn on the air conditioning in external circulation and defog mode, adjusting the temperature to a warmer setting. This helps quickly evaporate the fog on the windows because, in cold weather, the inside of the car is warm while the outside is cold, creating a temperature difference that causes the glass to fog up. By blowing the air conditioning on the front windshield, the fog clears up in no time. I also make it a habit to slightly open the windows for ventilation to reduce humidity buildup, especially on rainy or snowy days when moisture tends to accumulate inside the car. If the fog comes on quickly, I use a defogging spray on the inside of the glass as a preventive measure. When parking, I ensure the interior is clean and free of wet items, like umbrellas or snow boots, to minimize fog sources. Remember, don’t rush to drive off—defogging first is a safety priority.
Foggy car windows in winter are annoying and dangerous, as impaired visibility can easily lead to accidents. My approach is to immediately turn on the defogging function of the air conditioning upon entering the car. Usually, there's a dedicated button or switch for this—just press it to activate the fan blowing air onto the windshield. Set the temperature to a moderate level, as too high can be uncomfortable. Also, switch to recirculation mode to prevent external moisture from entering the car. If the fog remains heavy after turning on the AC, slightly opening the sunroof or a side window can help reduce humidity. The root cause is condensation on the glass due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside, so heating and dehumidifying are key. Regularly cleaning the inside of the windshield with a dry cloth can also prevent fog from building up quickly. For safety, avoid getting distracted by defogging while driving—handle it after parking.
The defogging method is quite simple: after ignition, turn on the defogging mode of the air conditioner to blow the front windshield, and raising the temperature will speed up the process. If that doesn't work, open the windows slightly to allow air circulation and reduce moisture. Keep a bottle of anti-fog spray in the car; spraying it on the glass and then wiping it off also helps. If the air conditioning system can't handle it, check if the settings are normal.
