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WINDSCREENS IN WINTER

We've all been there; in a rush first thing in the morning, start the car and the windscreen steams up. You get the hot air on full whack but it's not clearing. Even the demister pad won't keep it away. You're cold, you're stressed and now you're running late.

WHY DOES MY WINDSCREEN MIST UP?

When your car windows are colder than inside the car, and you have enough moisture in the air in your car, that moisture will condense on the windscreen and cause it to mist up. It can also be dangerous if it mists up as you're driving down the road. This could either be down to using your air conditioning in conjunction with the “recirculate” feature – the one that closes off the outside air to prevent fumes from entering the car, or you could have poor air conditioning.

WILL A REGAS HELP?

Yes, it should help a lot. Without frequent use of a fully working air conditioning system, moisture can build up within the air vent ducts. This moisture can cause mould and bacteria to form, which are then blown into the car when you start the system again after weeks or months of inactivity.

Air conditioning is also an important tool to help you maintain your visibility through the winter months. It doesn’t just cool the air in your car – it dries it too. That means using the air conditioning removes moisture in the air, which is particularly useful in the winter. It helps to keep your windscreen and windows clear – so if you’re steaming up, turning the air conditioning on will help enormously, and it can help clear mist from the glass sooner, enabling you to set off with clear screens earlier than you otherwise would.

SHOULD I USE MY AIRCON IN THE WINTER?

Yes, you should. Even if you don’t want your car to be any colder than it is, you should run your air conditioning system at least every couple of weeks for a short blast on full-cold (around 10 minutes), which will allow the coolant to circulate through the system.

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This is because the coolant contains a lubricant that helps to keep all the rubber seals and pipework in good condition. Failing to use your air conditioning for a long period means the coolant won’t move around, and the lubricant won’t act on the rubber parts.

So remember, running your air conditioning all year helps…

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  • Keep your windows clear, improving visibility

  • Keep the whole system lubricated preventing O rings drying out

  • Prevent expensive mechanical components such as your compressor seizing up

  • Prevent bacteria building up and unpleasant odours

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