windscreen steaming up

poppasmurf_bewdley

We had problems with an Astra having really bad condensation problems especially in the rain. We were told to change to pollen filter, which we did. Result? Problem completely eradicated.

PS. The pollen filter was just a soggy mess which had to be dragged out of its holder.

hewhoisnotintheknow

water is trapped in your car
each time you get in with wet feet, more water comes in

it needs to get out

drive with the window open a tiny amount and use the heater to compensate for any cold coming in

TrickyWicky

Considering this is a money saving forum I am surprised how many people are still saying to use the air conditioning - in autumn!

If the car is condensated, there is something wrong somewhere that neets to be dealt with. Using the air con is only bodge to cover up the problem.

Iceweasel

TrickyWicky wrote: »

Considering this is a money saving forum I am surprised how many people are still saying to use the air conditioning - in autumn!

If the car is condensated, there is something wrong somewhere that neets to be dealt with. Using the air con is only bodge to cover up the problem.

Not using the AC does not save any significant money at all.

In fact those folks who leave it unused for months over the winter are increasing their chances of having to service it in the springtime.

Remember AC means Air Conditioning - not Air Cooling.

I have mine on 'auto' which means the Climate Control heats or cools according to need and dries the air in the car - exactly what prevents condensation on the windows.

TrickyWicky

Iceweasel wrote: »

Not using the AC does not save any significant money at all.

So you're saying that the mighty stiff aircon pump that suddenly engages it's clutch to start pumping, doesn't put any extra strain on the engine and thus require the ECU to inject more fuel into the cylinders to keep it turning?

Is that what you're saying? I suppose you can also crank a car from an AA battery too right?

You might not notice it much in a diesel but in a petrol you certainly can. The only time you won't notice it as much is when you're moving as the engine has enough momentum to keep itself going. When at a low speed (eg idle) it will use more fuel.

Iceweasel

I understand exactly what you are saying TrickyWicky.

Notice that I said 'significant' in my post.

Lots of folks on the BMW forum and the M-Benz forum have chewed the fat about this topic for ages.

A loss of 1 or 2 mpg might be attributed to using Climate control or AC.

But why have a feature that you don't use. The inconvenience of wiping windows and /or having a window open is not quantifiable in cash terms but I don't believe in having a dog and bark myself.

You are correct in your reference to a lesser effect on a diesel.
Also the bigger engine you have the smaller will the % of power that goes undisputedly to the AC compressor.

Taken to extremes the lights and the wipers all contribute to using power from the engine, but no-one would be advocating switching them off, when they play a significant role.

To me the AC has a major role to play all year round.

gilbert_and_sullivan

The only vehicles that i've had significant steaming up problems have been air equipped, we have one car with aircon, that aircon only gets used about 20 days a year, no steaming problems.

As some have said above make sure the car has a chance to dry out whenever possible by having the window(s) open slightly, and avoid recirculation of same air, you shoudl only need that when following something that stinks.

As above too, make sure your air intakes and water drains are free from leaves and general gunge, and if fitted renew the pollen filter.

pd52

ive ordered a new pollen filter today so i will see if that makes a diffrence, it was steamed up when i got back to my car after work, it been sitting for 8 hours

closed

This happened in cars before they were fitted with pollen filters and aircon, so I wouldn't spend too much money on looking for a complicated solution/cause.

When you get in on a cold wet day, wipe the screen/windows with a microfibre cloth

Turn heat dial to hot, and fan on low, open vents pointing at windscreen and side windows, and it will probably stay clear once you get moving.

Do not recirculate air internally.

WTFH

Using the A/C can also be more economical than driving with the window down, due to the disruption to the aerodynamics.

...oh, and if your car has start/stop technology and you're not a stick in the mud about it, then there's no such a thing as "idle", if the battery is charged the engine stops when someone else is idling. So, no increase in mpg in that case.

...but if you've got a 1970s small petrol engined brain, then you won't want start stop, a/c, abs, cruise control, power steering, etc because in your mind they all mean the car is less efficient and will break down after a year.