You know this too: you’ve just gotten into the car and the windows are already fogging up. But why actually? This is caused by your warm breath, which condenses on the cold window glass due to significant temperature differences. But what if the car windows are already fogged up before you get into the vehicle? This suggests that there is too much residual moisture in your car. In both cases, a dehumidifier is supposed to help, but what exactly is that? And how can moisture in the car be avoided or at least reduced? We’ll tell you.
A vehicle dehumidifier is a type of cushion filled with special granules or leak-proof gel. You place this in the car (for example on the dashboard) to draw moisture out of the air. This not only reduces fogged up windows and bad smells, but also prevents mold, rust and mildew. Depending on the manufacturer, the duration of the effect is between several weeks and up to three months – this always depends on the size of the vehicle interior. What is particularly practical about this type of dehumidifier is that it can be used not only in cars: the cushions serve the same purpose in caravans or motorhomes, in (closed) garages or even inside a boat.
And the best thing about it is: If the pillow is saturated and no longer absorbs moisture, it only needs to be dried in the microwave (or on the heater) for a few minutes – and is then ready for use again.
If the windows in your car fog up immediately as soon as you drive off, the first thing you should do is turn on the fan and point it specifically at the windshield. It is also helpful to briefly turn the heating up to full so that the outflowing air warms up more quickly. However, if the windows gradually fog up while you are driving, this could be due to the air recirculation switch – in this case it is advisable to turn this off and switch on the air conditioning (if one is available) instead. It transports the moist air from inside the vehicle directly outside.
In addition to the dehumidifier for cars described above, you can also use other tools to prevent windows from fogging up: such as an anti-fog spray for glass and plastic windows, which, however, has to be applied every one to two weeks to be effective . Alternatively, you can also use a microfiber windshield sponge in the vehicle – or a special anti-fog sponge. In any case, it is important that you only use clean rags or cloths, as dirty windows will fog up more quickly due to the film of dirt than clean ones.
According to the ADAC, you can take some preventative measures to prevent moisture from collecting inside the vehicle and causing fogged up windows and mold:
Sources: ADAC, Autobild
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