Foggy Windows Are a Severe Winter Hazard!

Foggy Windows Are a Severe Winter Hazard!

December 23, 2019

Blasting the heater is the only way to stay warm while you’re driving this winter. But when that warm air from inside your car hits the cold glass, you’ll likely have to deal with window fog in Everett, WA, too. This post will cover why that condensation is a problem—and what you can do to solve it.

Why is condensation an issue?

Clear visibility is a key part of safely operating a vehicle. Here’s why you need to address window fog in Everett, WA before turning on your car:

  • Other vehicles: Seeing other cars when your windows are foggy can be tricky, even if their lights are on. Condensation makes it hard to tell if they’re in your lane or if they’re coming to a stop, which can lead to nasty accidents.
  • Pedestrians: You never know when a pedestrian or bicyclist will dart out in front of your car. With this in mind, stay alert and ensure your windows and windshield are condensation-free so you don’t hit anyone.
  • Road hazards: Branches in the road, potholes and other hazards are bad news for your car and tires. Avoiding them can be hard enough with clear windows, so you can imagine how difficult it is when they’re foggy!

How can this problem be fixed?

Window fog condensation in Everett, WA can typically be handled without the help of a professional. Take these steps to eliminate fog on your windshield:

  • Clean your windshield and windows: Dirty glass is better able to hold moisture, meaning your windows are more likely to fog up. Keep glass cleaner in your vehicle and wipe down the inside and outside whenever you get a chance.
  • Warm the engine: Your first instinct when you get in your car is probably to turn on the defroster to remove any fog. Instead of pressing it immediately, wait a few minutes for the engine to warm up. The air ducts need to get to at least 130 degrees before the defroster becomes effective.
  • Blast the defroster: Once your engine is warmed up, turn the defroster on the highest setting. At least 90 percent of your windshield needs to be covered with air for the defroster to be effective.
  • Lower the moisture level: Lots of moisture in your car causes window fog. Moisture coming from snowy gloves and coats makes the window fog worse, so it’s not a bad idea to store them in your trunk before hitting the road.
  • Don’t recirculate the air: You need fresh air from outside in order to get rid of all the fog inside, so be sure the recirculate button is off and your heating system is pulling in air from the outside. In snowy weather, you may need to clear off the outside vents before pulling out of your driveway.

If you’re dealing with window condensation in Everett, WA and none of the steps above have helped, be sure to bring your vehicle to our pros at Auto Truck Service Inc. to fix it! Get in touch with our team to find out what we can do for you and your car.

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