How to Demist Your Windscreen Fast – The Ultimate Guide

As frosty mornings become a more common occurrence, car windscreens across the country are starting to fall victim to condensation. If you’re running late for work in the morning, demisting your car windows will most likely be the last thing on your mind, making it a huge inconvenience when you finally realise you have one more job left to do. But Motorway Windscreens are on hand to help you demist your windscreen in a flash.

How To Demist Your Windscreen Fast

What causes condensation on car windows?

Condensation occurs when warm air meets a cold surface, something which is a regular problem with car windscreens, especially over the winter. The worst thing any motorist can do is to get in the car and put the heaters on. The warm air, together with the moisture in your breath, can cause glass surfaces to mist up.

The importance of demisting and deicing your windscreen

Although it can be an inconvenience to many people who rely on their cars to get around, demisting your windscreen is an absolute necessity, and it’s also important that any ice or snow is cleared from all windows, too. According to The Highway Code, rule 229 states that drivers must:

  • Clean all lights
  • Demist all mirrors
  • Ensure number plates are visible
  • Remove any snow which may fall and obstruct the path of other drivers
  • Check your planned route is clear

A windscreen covered in ice, or one which hasn’t been demisted properly, can stop you from noticing hazards on the roads, narrowing your overall vision while driving. Where it’s not illegal to have snow on your roof, if it falls off onto your windscreen or into the path of other drivers, you’ll be penalised. You could be charged with either:

  • ‘Driving without due consideration’ or
  • ‘Using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition’

According to the RAC, you could be landed with a £60 fine and three points on your licence should you break the code. Not only this, but your insurance could become invalid.

If you’re involved in a crash because you didn’t adequately clear your windows and mirrors, your insurance company could find you at fault, claiming that you were ‘neglecting to properly prepare your vehicle’. If this situation occurs, you most likely won’t receive a pay-out.

Tips for demisting your windscreen

Despite the inconvenience caused by demisting your windscreen, it’s imperative that it’s clear before setting off on your journey. This ensures the safety of both yourself and other road users.

Here are a few tips for clearing your windscreen in a rush, so you can be safe and run on time during the cold months.

Use the defrost button – whether your windscreen is icy or not, the defrost button can help to demist your windscreen in no time. The combination of heat and air-con rapidly removes moisture from the air, leaving you with a clear windscreen.

Turn the air-con system on – the AC will dry out the air, therefore absorbing excess moisture from inside your car.

Turn off the air circulation – the air outside the vehicle is cold and (often) dry, and therefore doesn’t contain as much water vapour. It would be better to bring air in from the outside to demist your car as opposed to recirculating the air you’re breathing from inside the car.

Open a window – this will bring the air in from outside, and will work in much the same way as having your air-con on. The window doesn’t need to be open all the way – just a crack will do.

Stand outside the car – don’t leave the car unattended at any time. Instead, turn the air-con on and then wait outside. Your breath is warm and contains water particles – this doesn’t help with the demisting process.

How to prevent condensation on car windows

Preventing moisture from lingering in confined spaces can help to decrease the chances of cold surfaces misting up. There are a few ways to prevent condensation from forming, or reduce the amount your windows mist up by, including:

  • Leaving windows slightly open on warm, slightly more mild days
  • Ensuring windows are closed when it rains, or if the air is humid
  • Remove sources of moisture from your car, such as wet wipes

Winter driving tips

Driving in the winter can be quite dangerous, so it’s important that all necessary precautions are taken. When driving in cold, snowy or icy conditions, motorists should:

Be prepared have your vehicle checked or serviced before making any long journeys and check the weather along your route. If the weather is considerably bad, you should delay your trip.

Stay connected – notify other people of where you’re travelling to and update them if you decide to stop for a break. You should also let them know which roads or motorways you’ll be travelling on, together with your intended destination and an ETA.

If you get stuck in the snow, you should:

  • Stay with your vehicle
  • Don’t overextend or yourself
  • Be visible at all times
  • Clear your exhaust pipe if clogged with snow, ice or mud
  • Stay warm
  • Conserve fuel

If you live in Grimsby, Doncaster, Scunthorpe, Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley or the surrounding areas, and you’re in need of a windscreen repair or a window replacement, then Motorway Windscreens will be able to help. Simply get in touch with a member of our team today for more information – we’re always happy to help.