In North India, while driving in winter, one must have experienced foggy windows and windshields which is caused by water condensation on the windscreen and on the side windows of the car. The most common explanation for this pestering problem is the warm inside air of the car meeting the cold glass outside, thereby forming water droplets. This visualisation becomes even worse by the formation of ice on the surface of windows due to cold weather, letting the driver have a poor view of the road, to the point that safe driving becomes a challenge. That's when defoggers play an important role.

Fogged windows are not just an annoyance, but rather an utmost danger in the driving process. In times of visibility obscured through fogging, a driver's view of the road would be intersected, staking the driver, pedestrians, or other drivers with road traffic accidents; thus, learning how to efficiently defog the windows of a car becomes important. Equally therewith is the good fortune of this to take place even before one enters into driving.

DIY ways and lower-priced products can dissolve foggy windows. In this article, we will delve into car windshield defoggers, their types, and what are the best ways to utilise them. However, first things first, let us take a look at what causes cars to fog up.

Why do car windows fog up?

The primary cause of car windows fogging up the thermal difference that exists between the vehicle's interior and exterior. Warm air from within the car hits a cold surface, usually glass, and condenses into tiny droplets of water.Humidity is another factor. In places with high humidity levels, you’re more likely to encounter foggy windows.

The excess moisture in the air clings to the cooler surfaces inside your car, exacerbating the problem. Defoggers can help you in such situations by providing a proper view and preventing accidents that could be caused due to poor visibility.

How do defoggers work?

The features of a car defogger may vary slightly, depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but generally, using one is quite straightforward. For the front windshield, first turn on the car and the defogger for the front windshield. Set the temperature for warm air, and turn up the fan speed to allow quicker blowing. Make sure to turn off air recirculation so fresh air can enter the cabin and reduce moisture buildup.

When the glass is free from moisture, switch off the defogger to conserve energy. For the rear window, turn on the rear defogger, which contains embedded heaters that allow for fog and frost removal through heated air circulation. Wait for the moisture to dissipate and then turn it off manually. These steps ensure clear vision and a safe ride during fog and cold weather conditions.

Preventing defogging using solvents

Some proactive measures can prevent fog or buildup of moisture within your car. Simple hacks could keep the windows clear for your safe driving. One good method is to keep silica gel pellets inside your car. Silica gel absorbs moisture; thus, these might help keep fog away. A handy trick is to put a layer of shaving foam on your windshield. Dab the product evenly through the interior of the glass using a dry towel, allowing any residue to be wiped away with another towel to create a 'moisture invisible barrier'.

Using a window cleaner with ammonia is another effective way to clean your car’s glass components and prevent fogging. For a cost-effective alternative, try crafting your own defogging solution at home. Mix water with either vinegar or dish soap, spray it on the windshield, and wipe it clean with a soft cloth. These DIY solutions reduce the surface tension of water droplets, minimising fog formation.

A tailored approach to varied weather conditions is also important. In cold weather, warm up the inner and outer windshield through running your heat, and this will decrease moisture and condensation formation within your car. All these hacks maintain lovely clear windows and make your driving safer in each season.

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