Should You Use Heat to Defrost Your Windows Before You Get In? Experts Say Maybe Not
It’s common practice to use heat to defog car windshields, but should it be? Consumer Reports found there’s a better way to clear your freezing windows: air conditioning.
Most people probably hate the thought of climbing into a freezing vehicle and waiting for it to warm up. Even worse is the wait for the fog to clear from the windshield so you can actually get moving. Of course, you could leave your car idling during that interminable wait for the fog to clear.
, it's also releasing unnecessary emissions into the environment. To top it off, it isn't even the best way to defog your windshield! We've rounded up some
suggests using air conditioning to remove that cold fog from inside your car. To appreciate how it works, you need to understand why it's called 'air conditioning' instead of 'air cooling'. An air conditioner works by removing moisture from the air and it can do that even better when the temperature is turned up. In that way, it's acting as a dehumidifier for your car rather than a cooler.
Actually, there's a setting that does the work for you automatically. The defrost setting consists of a high-speed fan blowing warm, dry air from the air conditioner onto the windshield and sometimes the side front windows. As a side bonus to its interior window clearing properties, it also makes it easier to clear snow or ice from the outside by warming the glass slightly.
Warm, dry air is the quickest way to get rid of that cold, moist fog turning your windows dangerously opaque. A couple of minutes of AC is faster, cheaper, and way easier on theenvironment than idling your car for half an hour or so! Just make sure that you don't accidentally engage the recirculation mode, which will simply move the humid air around within the car rather than removing it.
, that's unnecessary and a waste of gas. Even a very cold engine idles at 1,200 rpm or more. That fact, coupled with modern fuel pumps and advances in motor oil technology, means that your vehicle doesn't need a long period of idling before it's safe to drive.
The moving parts within your vehicle's engine will be fully lubricated and ready to go within a mere 20 to 30 seconds. Allow a minute's warm-up in really cold weather, then get in and start the engine. An engine warms up the fastest when it's actually moving, so driving rather than idling is the quickest path to a warm cabin, too.
More tips for safe winter driving
MORE:What's More Dangerous to Drive In–Rain or Snow? A New Study Sheds Light
There's more to winter driving safety than a good ice scraper, clear windows, and a warm cabin. Having the right kind of winter tires and keeping them properly inflated is also very important.
In case you get stuck in a snowdrift or experience blizzard conditions, having an emergency winter survival kit on hand could save your life.
Great car insurance is important during winter crash season
Between snow, ice, slush, and freezing fogs, winter is responsible for a lot of car accidents. Make sure you have the right car insurance for the weather-related chaos to come with
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