AA shares ‘common mistake’ drivers make when defogging windscreen | UK | News

Regardless of how many years you’ve been behind the wheel, you invariably begin to feel anxious when your windscreen becomes misty.

While some drivers turn up the heating and cross their fingers, others merely clear the condensation using a cloth stored in their car door.

However, to help keep Brits secure on the roads this winter, the AA has outlined precisely what you need to do to stop your foggy windscreen.

This follows after a Reddit user enquired: “Is there a standard way to defog car windows? I have been driving for almost a year now and I have no idea how to properly defog my windows.

“I’ve only had to defog my windows probably less than five times so far so I never worry about it. Tonight I was driving and no matter what I did it never cleared up. I just used my wipers constantly to see better.”

“In a cold morning (where there is a lot of condensation) I just used a rag to wipe off the condensation, is that a proper thing to do?

“I have looked on YouTube and many videos said different things so is there a way to properly do it or does it depend on the car? I also have no person to ask at home and I don’t have friends to ask.”

Based on the AA’s guidance, the most effective method to clear foggy windows involves utilising both warm and cool air.

A statement explains: “You should turn on your warm air blower and rear windscreen heater as well as your air-con. If possible, allow some outside air to come into the car as well. This should help you quickly turn a frosted over car back into something more drivable.”

They say you should never clear your windscreen with your hand or a dirty rag, as this could add grease to the glass and disrupt your vision.

How to clear your windscreen

• Start the engine and turn on the warm air blower to the windscreen.
• Switch on the rear window heater and heated mirrors, if you have them.
• Turn on the air-con. It’s not just for summer – it’ll remove moisture from the air to stop the car from misting up.
• Don’t use your hands to wipe misted-up windows – you’ll leave greasy smears and a diamond ring could scratch the glass. Use a lint-free absorbent cloth if necessary.
• Stay with your car the whole time while the engine’s running – before you know it, that frozen windscreen will start to clear up. Make sure to use this spare time to clear the ice or snow from the outside of the car.

To prevent frost from becoming a problem, the AA recommends storing your vehicle in a garage or protecting your windscreen with cardboard when parked outdoors.

The AA’s guidance states: “If you’re hurrying to get to work or do the school run, it can be tempting to drive off as soon as the ice has cleared a little.

“But this could dangerously obstruct your view of the road if there’s still ice or mist on your windscreen. In fact, you can get a £100 fine and 3 points on your licence if you drive with obscured vision.”