Demisting your windscreen is a necessity before setting off, not doing so can become dangerous while and it is illegal too.
The cause of your car windscreen misting up is actually down to water vapour in the atmosphere that occurs when your body heats the air inside the cabin – as does your breath – increasing the amount of moisture it can hold.
This means when it comes into contact with your windscreen it cools and condenses, forming a mist that can make winter driving a challenge.
Here's how to clear your windscreen in double-quick time.
Heater
Start the heater off cold and direct it to the windscreen and windows, then slowly increase the temperature.Air-con
Turn on the air conditioning to keep the atmosphere dry.Windows
If you don’t have air conditioning, open your windows.Climate control
If there’s a handy setting for demisting your windscreen USE IT.
How to use the heater to de-mist the front windscreen
Start the heater off cold, then slowly increase the temperature as the air dries out, rather than overloading the cabin with hot, wet air.
Try to find a temperature and humidity that’s comfortable but doesn’t mist up the cabin.
Make sure your heater's blast is directed at the windscreen and the windows - the warmer air will dry the glass a little through evaporation and begin to heat the glass to stop the water vapour from condensing on it again.
Of course, if you're not in a rush and you are frozen stiff and need warmth then use the hot air to warm both you and the windscreen.
It may take a little longer to clear fully but you will at least be a little more comfortable - just don’t move off until all glass surfaces on your car are clear. It’s dangerous and illegal if visibility is impeded.
How to use the air-con to de-mist the front windscreen
If your car has air conditioning make sure it is switched on.
Use the air conditioning in conjunction with the heater. Hot air will dry the glass a little through evaporation, but the air will then cool down and condense on the glass once more, so make sure the air conditioning is on to keep the atmosphere inside dry.
If your windscreen is iced over, then the heat is more necessary. But in this instance, you might want to scrape the outside of your windscreen first. It is important to keep your windscreen as clear as possible in winter.
How to de-mist your car using the windows
If you don’t have a clever climate system, having the windows down could help clear the screen faster.
This helps because the dry, cold air from outside can help reduce the amount of water vapour inside the vehicle, stopping the screen from misting up. Then you can begin to warm the car up to a temperature that suits you after you have cleared the windscreen.
Use your climate control system
If you do have a clever climate control system, utilise it.
There’ll most likely be a setting for demisting the windscreen, which will automatically adjust the ventilation system to achieve the best results.
So, for all your vehicle needs look no further than the team at Bowers. Contact our sales team on 01782 590 700 or email enquiries@bowersautoparts.net.