MISTY windscreens can be a pain when you’re driving in the winter months.
As the temperatures plummet, it’s crucial for motorists to be aware of how to get rid of condensation on their car windows.
Clear off
Most drivers know the importance of having a clear windscreen as well as windows before heading off in their car.
Driving with your vision obscured by mist could land you with a hefty fine – whether it’s foggy, icy or just plain dirty.
The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 and the Highway Code state that “windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision”.
Penalty
Motorists who attempt to get behind the wheel before checking that their windows are completely cleared of fog will be issued a £100 fine and up to three points on their driving licence.
However, in the event of an accident, if a misted-up windscreen is considered to be part of the cause, road users will face a higher penalty.
Under these circumstances, road users can face fines of up to £2,500.
If the offence is committed within three years of a previous conviction for the same offence it could even lead to disqualification.
Clean it
Unfortunately, colder temperatures and wetter weather through the winter months mean motorists have to spend more time cleaning their windscreens and windows.
Julian Hartley, insurance director at Tesco Bank, said: “In the colder months, windows are more susceptible to condensation, so make sure you leave time to fully demist all your windows.”
Condensation on cars occurs when the temperature inside the car is different from outside.
When it becomes colder overnight, and the temperature outside drops, the inside of your car stays slightly warmer.
This means that when the cold and warmer air meet, the water vapour in the air turns to water, causing condensation to form on your windows.
Turning the air-conditioning on can help to clear condensation – though this may not be ideal on a freezing cold morning.
If you do take this approach, make sure the air vents are aimed at the windows for the best result.
You can also use your windscreen and rear window heater and demister, if your car is fitted with one.
Using your windscreen and rear window heater can help keep your windows clear of mist[/caption]
Dust particles attract moisture so keeping your car clean can also help.
Some drivers choose to leave a micro-fibre cloth in the car and have a quick dust round just before they get out.
Removing wet items can also help to reduce condensation so if you’ve got a wet coat, damp umbrella or muddy boots in the car, don’t leave them in the car overnight.
Anything that’s already wet will make the car damper, increasing the condensation build-up.
TikTok channel Upthrifted has shared another, more unusual, hack for preventing condensation in car windows.
The page suggests that leaving Silica Gel packets on your car dashboard the night before can save you precious time every morning.
They claim that the packets prevent drivers from having to demist in the early hours, and can reduce the humidity in a closed area by up to 40 per cent.
Get you car winter ready
Winter driving can be more dangerous for motorists and the pedestrians around them.
According to Tesco Bank, road accidents jump eight per cent in the week after the clocks go back and the dark nights draw in.
This time of year makes it all the more vital that drivers follow practical measures to stay safe on the road.
You can get a winter car check to ensure your vehicle is safe for driving over the colder months, especially if the roads are going to be icy or snowy.
The assessment is available at more than 750 Halfords branches across the UK.
It only takes about half an hour to complete and includes checks of your lights, wipers, tyres and more.
De-icing your windscreen is another important factor for driving safely in the winter.
Simple tricks like putting a towel or blanket over the glass and using a homemade spray solution can help, but you should never use boiling water to de-ice because it can crack or shatter the glass.
When the temperature isn’t quite low enough for frost, it’s condensation that’ll affect your visibility on the road.
