Given the onset of cold weather more and more of us are experiencing misty car windows. The IAM’s chief examiner, Peter Rodger recommends drivers better prepare their cars before they travel. Your windows will steam up when the air inside your car is warmer and is carrying more humidity. This air inside is cooled near the glass allowing the humidity to condense and form mist. Here are Peter’s top tips for coping better with misty windows:

1. Mist will often form quicker on dirty windows so it’s important you keep your windows clean throughout the winter. Both the outside and inside of your windows should be kept equally clean – free from dust, tar, tree sap and grime.
2. Newspaper can be used to polish glass once you’ve cleaned it. Wash the windows with some washing up liquid and water, then dry with a cloth ensuring you lift the windscreen wipers and clean the section of your windscreen beneath them. If you prefer the traditional method of using crumpled up newspaper, this works well too.
3. Don’t leave any damp clothing in your car overnight as this can also cause the windows to steam up.
4. Use the air conditioner to help lift any condensation from the inside of your car windows. You can adjust it accordingly to lower the setting once the moisture clears. And if your car has a button that sets the demister at the optimum for clearing the screen then use that.

Your windows are your eyes when you get behind the wheel. It is foolhardy and downright dangerous to drive one inch if you can’t see clearly from your windows. Be five minutes late rather than venture down the road in this way

Notes to editors:

1. Peter Rodger is the IAM’s chief examiner.
2. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving and motorcycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving and motorcycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety

Media contacts:IAM Press Office – 020 8996 9777
press.office@iam.org.uk