How to stop condensation in your car

It’s likely that condensation in your car is a constant frustration during the winter months - especially if you’ve got an older or less flashy set of wheels. Let's demist-ify this confusing issue once and for all as we explain how to stop condensation in your car.

What causes condensation in my car?

Condensation inside your car happens when the temperature inside your vehicle is different from the outside.

Warm air from inside the car meets the cold windscreen and turns water vapour into actual water.

This causes windscreen fog that impedes your vision.

During a journey the driver and any passengers’ breath can cause condensation, but it can also build up overnight.

A blocked pollen filter, which cleans air entering the car, could be another possible cause.

You might even be plagued with condensation after successfully de-icing your car.

And when you’re in a hurry in the morning, the mess of dials and switches on your car’s heater only adds to the confusion. 

Not only is car condensation a pain, but, if it stops you getting a clear view of the road, it’s also illegal.

This means you could wind up with a fine and points on your licence. This in turn could hike up your car insurance costs.

Find out how you can stop car windows steaming up inside with these tips.

How can I get rid of condensation quickly?

• Wash your car to get rid of dirt particles that attract moisture - make sure you clean the inside of your car's windscreen too.
• Get rid of any damp items like coats and towels.
• Fill a pair of tights with cat litter and leave in your car - a quick and easy car moisture absorber. Trust us on this one.
• Air out your car by leaving the windows open for a few hours (when safe to do so).
• Switch on your blower and A/C, and wipe down your windows. 

How do I stop condensation inside my car?

Clean your windows and windscreen inside and out.

Moisture tends to cling to particles of dirt, so a grubby window is a haven for condensation. 

Use a cleaner that's designed for car windows, and polish them with a clean microfibre cloth. Newspaper should work for this too. 

Do wet items in the car cause condensation?

Leaving damp and wet things in the car can also contribute to condensation.

A wet dog towel or a soggy umbrella creates moisture in the air as it dries out, giving you more mist.

Remember to always take them out when you leave the car. 

What is the best car moisture absorber? 

How to get moisture out of a car is a challenge faced by drivers every winter. But the good news is there are products designed to eliminate or at least reduce the problem of misty windows.

One method that could work is to find a dedicated car moisture absorber. This can be anything that’s designed to absorb excess moisture from your car.

Car moisture absorber bags or dehumidifiers are bags filled with silica gel that you place on your dashboard. Some claim to absorb over 400ml of moisture.

Letting the car air out when you can might also help. So, if it's dry and you're able to leave the windows open for a while, then do. 

Can I make my own car moisture absorber?

You can! It may raise a few eyebrows draped across your dashboard, but some motorists swear by stuffing an old pair of tights with cat litter.

Given that cat litter is designed to absorb moisture and unwanted smells, it could actually be a cost-effective way of keeping your car’s condensation in check.

If you don’t have an old pair of tights, a sock should do the trick as well.

You can also buy silica gel pellets. These could be more effective than cat litter, but are likely more expensive.

How do I demist my windscreen?

It's important to get rid of any condensation before you drive away. Here’s how you demist your car quickly:

• Set your blowers to full, but keep the temperature cold at first. Point them at the windscreen and windows.

• If you have A/C, switch it on. This will help keep the air dry.

• If your car has a heated windscreen, switch it on.

• Increase the temperature until the windows are clear.

Make sure you sort out condensation when you're in your car and it's parked. If you leave your car you could get a fine for leaving your engine idle. Your car could be vulnerable to theft too.

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