Why you car windows steam up and what you can do to stop it

Monday, 14th September 2020, 5:30 pm
Updated Monday, 25th January 2021, 11:01 am

A steamed-up windscreen is one of those things that every driver has encountered at some point.

Whether it’s first thing in the morning as you head to work or mid-journey when the outside conditions change, condensation is a frustrating problem that affects old and new cars and can be potentially dangerous.

It’s also against the law to drive if your vision is obscured, so it’s worth knowing what causes the condensation to form, how to get rid of it quickly and how to stop it happening in the first place.

Why do car windows steam up?


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How to demist your windscreen


Make sure the air is directed at the windscreen and windows, and turn the fan up full. Keep the temperature low to start with - overloading the car with hot wet air will just add to the moisture problem. The cold air from the fans will still be warmer than the glass and help dry it out then you can start to turn up the heat.

If you’ve got air conditioning put this on. It will help to dry the air out more quickly.


You can clear the condensation with a cloth but that won't stop it returning and can leave streaks on the glass (Photo: Shutterstock)


How to stop it happening

Clean your windows - removing tiny dirt particles gives the water less to cling to, lessening the condensation.

Don’t leave wet items in the car - coats, umbrellas, dog towels etc just add to the moisture problem and mean mist will be more likely to form and take longer to clear.



This article first appeared on our sister title The Scotsman