The Inside of My Windshield Fogs Up: 5 Tips & Tricks for Preventing Windshield Fog

Like many drivers, you’ve probably said to yourself at one point or another, “The inside of my windshield fogs up and I can’t see! How can I prevent this from happening?” It’s an important issue to address. An obscured windshield can be a safety hazard, since it impairs your view of the road ahead.

Your car’s windshield becomes foggy when water condenses on its surface. This can happen on either the interior or exterior portion of the windshield. While this can seem inevitable, here are five tips and tricks you can use to prevent windshield fog.

1. Keep Your Windshield Clean

A dirty windshield is a magnet for the condensation that causes the glass to fog. If your car’s windshield is dusty or marred with fingerprints, you’re practically rolling out the red carpet for condensation. Keep the glass free of grime, and only use a glass cleaner specifically made for automotive use. If you have tinted glass, select a cleaner that’s ammonia-free, as ammonia can cause the tint to rip or fade.

2. Use an Anti-Fog Product

Some products are specifically designed to prevent the interior of your car’s windshield from fogging up. An anti-fog treatment keeps your glass clear by discouraging condensation. It’s easy to apply — simply wipe it across the glass using a paper towel or cotton cloth, and allow it to dry. After the initial application, you can reapply as needed to keep your car’s windshield fog-free.

3. Adjust Your Climate Control Settings

Is your car’s air conditioner or heater on the recirculating setting? If so, this could create conditions that encourage windshield fog. When your car is recirculating air, your climate control system uses moist air that’s already in the vehicle, which can lead to condensation. To avoid a cloudy windshield, make sure that your car’s climate control system is set to use fresh air instead of recirculated air.

4. Crack Your Windows

One simple thing you can do to prevent your car’s windshield from fogging up is to keep your windows open when driving. If it’s cold outside, you may not want to roll them down all the way, but keeping them open just a crack is enough to release moist air from the cabin. Getting rid of this humid air will discourage the condensation that causes fogging.

5. Turn On the Defogger

The last solution is fairly obvious, but it’s worth stating: Use your car’s defogger. Your car’s defogger removes condensed water droplets from the windshield, which keeps the glass clear for optimum visibility.

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “The inside of my windshield fogs up all the time in cold weather,” you’re definitely not alone. Following these tips will help you avoid panicking when your car’s windshield suddenly becomes cloudy while driving — and will hopefully prevent it from fogging up in the first place.

Check out all the windshield and glass products available on NAPAonline or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA Auto Care locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on preventing windshield fog, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.