Top tips for keeping your windscreen clear this winter

Ensure your ability to see clearly is not compromised by misted-up windows

Until autonomous cars become a reality in South Africa, the driver’s ability to see clearly will be a key safety factor. One of the common challenges as the winter chill sets in, is the tendency for windscreens to mist up. It seems like such a trivial issue, but a fogged-up windscreen or rear window has caused many an accident.

Misting is caused by an imbalance between the external and internal temperatures. If the temperature is warmer inside the car, as is common in winter, then the mist will form on the inside of the windows. In summer, when the temperature outside may be warmer, moisture can form on the outside window surfaces.

Here are our top tips for keeping your windscreen and other windows clear:

• Ensure the windscreen is structurally sound, with no cracks or chips. The wiper blades must be in good condition, to ensure that they effectively clear away any water on the outside surface.
• Keep all the windows clean and don’t forget to wipe down the insides too. Dirt and grime attract moisture.
• Leave your windows open slightly when garaging the car so that the moist internal air is replaced by dryer outside air.
• If windows are misted up, do not wipe the inside of the glass – that will simply cause smears. The best option is to put on the air-conditioning and open the defrosting vent – the mistiness will quickly clear.
• Make sure your car’s heating/cooling system is not set to “recirculate” – the air in the car is already moist, so recirculating it will increase the moisture and thus the tendency to fog up.

One final tip: make sure your windows are clear and all the right settings are in place to allow you to take quick action in the event of fogging while you are in motion. Windows can mist up quickly, and accidents can be caused when you are concentrating on which buttons to press, or when you pull off the road onto an invisible hazard.

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