Experts have said that people cannot drive unless they do this first
Motorists are being reminded that properly demisting their car before setting off is essential, as driving with misted windows is illegal. Failing to do so can significantly impair your vision while driving, increasing the risk of accidents and potentially leading to fines or other penalties.
Ensuring your windscreen is fully clear before you begin your journey is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial step in keeping yourself and others safe on the road. The reminder comes as experts at RAC Drive shared how to prevent this from happening – and how it happens in the first place.
It said: “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.”
However, there is a simple method that can “clear your windscreen in double-quick time”. All you need to do is use your heater – and here’s how.
Demist your car in minutes – step by step
METHOD ONE
- 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 (even on cold the air will be warmer than the ice cold windscreen) will dry the glass a little through evaporation and begin to heat up the glass to stop the water vapour condensing on it again.
If you are cold, they suggest pointing the hot air towards the windows and yourself. Although this may take longer, you’ll stay cosy. RAC Drive reminded people that if they do this, “just don’t move off until all glass surfaces on your car are clear. It’s dangerous and illegal if visibility is impeded”.
METHOD TWO
If your car has air conditioning, turn it on and use it at the same time as the heater. The experts explained the “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-con is on to keep the atmosphere inside dry”.
METHOD THREE
According to the RAC, if your car doesn’t have a climate control system, opening the windows can work a treat. Allowing cold, dry air from outside to circulate helps lower the moisture levels inside the car, reducing the chance of the windows misting up.
Once the windscreen is clear, you can gradually increase the temperature to a comfortable level. If your windows begin to mist while driving, this method is particularly useful. However, if the misting becomes severe and affects your visibility, you should pull over safely and wait until the windows have cleared before continuing your journey.
Prevent this from happening by doing this
- Take a clean towel and place a dollop of shaving foam onto it
- Wipe the windscreen with the towel, spreading the shaving foam over the entire surface
- Take another clean towel and wipe off the shaving foam completely
RAC drive revealed that this leaves a thin film behind and acts as a temporary barrier to stop condensation. If your car isn’t demisting properly, there could be several reasons – with the most common being an issue with the air conditioning or temperature control. If there are no obvious issues, it’s time to take your car to a garage.
RAC Drive conclude: “They will need to check for airflow and filter issues – as well as if there are any blockages in the vents. Other problems include a broken heater or internal thermostat. In other cases, it may just need coolant added to the system.”
