Drying car out

Slowly_does_it..

facade wrote: »

However, due to some design restriction that I can't explain, the compressor will not run when the outside temperature is below freezing.

There are a few pipes in the engine bay that are just past the expansion valve (the bit where the cold starts) so the ECU stops the compressor running so as to stop any ice build up on these pipes.

I agree, my A/C stays on, it helps a lot when the compressor runs!

Yorkie1

windup wrote: »

park it pointing east

Makes no difference to my car

dacouch wrote: »

When you use the car heater, make sure it's not on the recirculate setting as otherwise it just recirculates the damp air within the car.

Daft question alert: I only have A/C on or off. I'm not aware of having a separate recirculate setting / I'm not sure what you mean by recirculate. I don't think the A/C actually works (hasn't done so since I got the car 11 years ago) but, in the event it might make a difference, should I have the A/C setting on or off?

Norman_Castle wrote: »

I use a squeegy on the windscreen. It soaks the dashboard but allows me to drive off sooner.

But it also means that the moisture simply runs away and is reabsorbed into the atmosphere, without breaking the circle of moisture-laden air.

[Deleted User]

Why not try cat litter (£1.55 for 10l sack Tesco or anywhere) in tights or similar material.

I have a couple of old sock in my car and it works, but do agree if it`s not just condensation(AS MINE IS ) find and solve the source of the leak.

marleyboy

Maybe its just me (I have a new car), turning the A\C on seems to make it worse. I generally put the heat on to MAX as soon as I enter the vehicle and it clears the windows in about 30 seconds. Should I put the air con on it re-mists the windows for me.

I have not tried using the climate control option as yet, mainly because the heater solves the issue for me rapidly.

forgotmyname

Putting the heat on max will clear the windows, But then you have a nice hot screen when you park and cold air outside that chills it and forms condensation again.

Cool the car down towards the end of your journey. Let all that warm moist air out.

Usually when you put the heater in max demist it switches the AC on also. Mine does.

MadelinesMum

Hi, I buy cheap dehumidifier tubs from A?sda. They only cost about £1. One wedged upright under each front seat. Works quite well.

Ectophile

Yorkie1 wrote: »

Daft question alert: I only have A/C on or off. I'm not aware of having a separate recirculate setting / I'm not sure what you mean by recirculate. I don't think the A/C actually works (hasn't done so since I got the car 11 years ago) but, in the event it might make a difference, should I have the A/C setting on or off?

Two completely separate controls on most cars. The recirculate knob is usually next to the other heater controls, and determines whether the heater system draws in fresh air from outside, or recirculates what's already in the car.

If the aircon hasn't been touched for that long, there's every chance that it needs re-gassing, and possibly other repairs as well. You'd have to go to an aircon specialist to find out.

Richard53

Yorkie1 wrote: »

Daft question alert: I only have A/C on or off. I'm not aware of having a separate recirculate setting / I'm not sure what you mean by recirculate.

As above, a separate control. Most cars have a pictorial label on the switch - mine has a car outline with an arrow circling inside for 'recirculate' and an arrow sweeping over the bonnet and into the cabin for 'outside air'.

cherryblossomzel

FWIW: I recently posted about basically the same problem. Going on advice from here I now drive with AC on all the time (I hardly ever recirculate the air in the car)and I've bought silica crystal cat litter, chuck some in old tights, tie them off (roughly tennis ball size, but not tightly packed) and use 3 of these in the car (1 in the front and 2 and the back). I'm thinking about adding one or two more to the front. I think they work, but I'm not sure those dinky ones you get with electronics will make a difference in a car.

I still get some misting, but signficantly less and the blowers will clear it quite quickly. I still want to replace my pollen filter, just need to get a new one. I don't know if that'll help, but it certainly won't hurt.

pinkteapot

Buy a Ford.

Our Mondeo has a wonderful MAX button. Hit that, and it puts the blowers on full, on max heat, with A/C on. Also turns the front and rear screen heaters on (having a front screen heater makes a big difference).

Few minutes at most to clear.

Hit the button again to turn it off and it reverts to whatever settings you normally have on your air/climate control system.

It's such a good idea. Our other car is an Audi company car with dials for the blower strength, temp, etc. Have to fiddle with every dial and button to get the 'max' effect then turn them all back afterwards.

A friend's Focus also has a MAX button, so assume it's across the Ford range.