How to Defrost Windows in Car FAST: Winter Fog, Ice and Summer Fog GONE, by Lifey Guy on YouTube. 4 min 51 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 51 s
- Time to do it
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Work out which side the fog is on. Run the wipers: if the glass clears, the fog is on the outside. If it smears or stays, the fog is inside.
Turn the air dial to the front defrost symbol, set the fan to its highest speed and turn the heat up. Point the side vents at the front door windows.
Press the AC button, even in winter. The air conditioner dries the air before it reaches the glass, so the fog clears about twice as fast.
Switch off recirculation so the car pulls in fresh outside air. Recirculation traps the moisture you breathe out and fogs the glass again.
Open the front windows about an inch for a minute to let the damp air out, then close them once the glass is clear.
For summer fog on the outside, run the wipers, aim the vents away from the glass or nudge the temperature up a little. Cold AC air on a humid day chills the glass and fogs it from outside.
Before starting the engine in snow, clear snow and ice from the tailpipe. A blocked exhaust can push carbon monoxide into the cabin, and you should never warm up in a closed garage.
Scrape ice with a plastic scraper in straight passes. Never pour hot water on the glass, because the sudden heat can crack it.
Prevent it next time: clean the inside of the glass, park facing east so the morning sun helps, and spray a 2:1 mix of rubbing alcohol and water on frost.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not run the wipers on ice, as the blades and linkage can tear.
Leave the rear window to its defrost button instead of scraping the thin heating grid.
Idle for no more than about 30 seconds, then drive gently to warm the engine faster.
Glass that is cleaned regularly fogs less, so wipe the inside about once a month.
Questions
Does the AC really help clear windows in winter?
Yes. It removes moisture from the air before it hits the glass, and running it in winter keeps the seals and compressor lubricated.
Why do my windows fog up on the outside in summer?
Cold air from the vents chills the glass, and humid outside air condenses on it. Use the wipers, aim the vents away from the glass or raise the temperature slightly.
Is hot water faster on a frozen windshield?
No. The sudden temperature change can crack the glass. Use a plastic scraper and let the car's defroster do the rest.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
