Car condensation tips to stop your windscreen freezing on the inside this winter
Defrosting your car on the outside is enough of a pain as it is, but things can get more complicated if the inside of your windscreen is frozen too.
Britain woke up this morning to icy conditions and freezing temperatures, as the Met Office issued a series of yellow weather warnings that will last every day this week until Thursday. The frosty morning air likely means you will have had to scrape your car windscreen to clear it of any ice before heading out to work, and for some people, the cold weather will have even frozen the glass on the inside of their cars too.
But what causes car windows and windscreens to freeze on the inside, and how can you stop it from happening in your vehicle? According to the RAC, it's all to do with condensation, and it can impact your car no matter how old it is.
Why does my car windscreen freeze inside?
The RAC says you're seeing ice on the inside of your car because of humidity inside the vehicle. If your car is humid, the warm and moist air inside your car will cause condensation to form on your windscreen and windows, as a result of the icy outside temperatures making the glass cold. Then, as temperatures plummet overnight, that condensation will freeze, leaving you with ice inside your vehicle.
"This is a common issue in vehicles of all ages, makes and models – so knowing what to do in this situation is very important," the motoring experts said.
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Condensation in your car can be caused by several factors. Leaving a wet pair of shoes in your car can cause humidity as the water evaporates, while you can also be leaving excess moisture in the air by having your heater up high just before parking your car, as the warm air will become trapped in your vehicle.
How do I stop my car windscreen from freezing inside?
The RAC claims that one of the best ways to stop your vehicle from freezing on the inside is to make sure it is well-ventilated by opening windows whenever it is possible to do so. If you're prone to having your heater blasting in your car, this will help "balance out the difference between the inside and outside humidity" when you park up, by letting your car's inside temperature match the temperature outside.
You should also make sure you remove any wet items from your car before leaving it parked overnight. If you've been out for a walk in damp grass and have left your shoes in your car or you've been to the gym and have damp clothes in a gym bag, these can contribute to humidity inside your vehicle. Always make sure to take them out of your car as soon as possible.
Moisture-absorbing products such as silica gel could also help you beat the condensation in your car. You can leave these products in cup holders and they should absorb any moisture that tries to make its way into your vehicle.
On the more serious side, if these fixes don't stop the problem then you may have a leak in your vehicle. The RAC says that this is often not something you can fix yourself, and your car will need to be taken to a garage for repairs.
Can cleaning my vehicle stop condensation?
Regular cleaning can stop condensation from building up on your windows, as moisture can cling to dirt and grime. Wiping down windows regularly can ensure there's nothing to freeze in the first place. You can also invest in anti-fog products that will reduce condensation and add a layer of protection to the surface of your windscreen.
What's more, you can even use sun shades to help prevent a frozen windscreen. It sounds bizarre as we commonly use the tools when the weather's much warmer, but using a sun shade will "help regulate interior temperatures and reduce moisture build-up". If you'll be leaving your car in the cold for an extended period of time, you can also use a car cover to protect it from the elements for longer.
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