What Causes Fogging on the Left Side of Car Windows?
3 Answers
Fogging on car windows occurs due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the vehicle. When the temperature inside the cabin is higher than outside, moisture in the cabin condenses on the inner surface of the windshield, forming fog. Here are some solutions: 1. Blow cold air: If the fogging is not severe, you can slightly open both windows to allow air circulation, which balances the temperature difference on both sides of the windshield and prevents fog formation. 2. Blow hot air: While blowing cold air provides a quick but temporary fix, blowing hot air addresses the root cause of fogging. The fog won’t return after turning off the hot air, and it won’t make passengers feel colder in the winter. 3. Anti-fog spray: Applying a layer of anti-fog spray on the windshield forms a protective film that prevents condensation. However, the film’s effectiveness is short-lived, requiring frequent reapplication to maintain results.
I often encounter fogging on the left-side window while driving, especially on rainy days or cold mornings. I believe the main reason is the significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car—the warm air I exhale condenses into mist when it hits the cold left-side window. Additionally, if the air conditioning is set to recirculate mode and the fan direction isn’t properly adjusted to blow toward the left side, moisture can accumulate and fail to dissipate. Sources of moisture also include humid external air seeping through gaps in the door seals or bringing damp clothes into the car. This can blur visibility and compromise driving safety. So, I make it a habit to turn on the defrost mode of the air conditioning as soon as I get in the car, selecting the fresh air mode to dry out the moisture. I also regularly check if the window rubber seals are aging. In winter, keeping a defogging spray on hand is quite effective, ensuring clear and worry-free visibility on the road.
Car window fogging is fundamentally the result of moisture condensing when it meets cold surfaces. Fogging on the left side is particularly common because it's close to the driver's position, where exhaled moisture directly hits the glass. Combined with external temperature drops, the moisture adheres to the surface, forming a foggy layer. Other contributing factors include residual moisture inside the car after rain, poor door seals allowing humidity to seep in, and air conditioning fans set to the lowest speed, which fails to effectively dehumidify. If the left side frequently fogs up, it may be due to blocked air vents or incorrect airflow direction on that side. Adjusting the vent angle or increasing the fan speed is recommended. The key to safe driving is preventive measures, such as activating the defrost button upon entering the car, using the external circulation mode to help expel moisture, and ensuring doors and windows are properly sealed. Regularly check the window edge seals during car washes to prevent water seepage and potential hazards.
