I Can See Clearly Now: Defogging Your Windshield

Foggy Windshield, AhmadElq https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Foggy_car_window.jpg

With the Northern Hemisphere heading into winter, we’re all soon be plagued by the interior fogging of car windows.

Decades ago, I heard Tom and Ray Magliozzi divulge the secret on Car Talk.

It’s unbelievably easy.

1. Turn on air conditioning. (Yes, even in the winter.)
2. Set blower to windshield.
3. Set air intake to fresh air input instead of recirculating.
4. Set temperature between cold and hot (neutral? tepid?).

Your foggy windshield will begin clearing up immediately if the settings are right. Once it clears, you can set your car’s temperature and blowers however you like.

If it resumes fogging up, you still have too much humidity in your car. Return it to the settings above as needed. Sometimes things like a hot box of pizza or a lot of people in the car can generate bonus fog.

Your kids will be sure to tell you that you’re doing it all wrong when you reach for the AC. Take the teachable moment and save your future self some time driver’s education time.  Plus, knowing will make them safer even if they're not the driver.

 

Stay safe! Don't forget to return your ice scraper and other winter gear to your car.

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