Winter weather can wreak havoc on your car. January has ushered in snow and ice across many parts of the UK, forcing millions of Brits to de-ice their car windscreens before setting off for work. Even if frost isn't an issue, cold air often causes condensation to form on the glass, resulting in a foggy windscreen that needs clearing before it's safe to drive.
If condensation forms on the outside of your windscreen, it's easily cleared with a quick swipe of your wipers. However, if the inside of your glass is coated in a thin layer of water, you'll need to use different methods to remove it.
Most motorists are aware that they can defog their windows using their car's air conditioning settings, but according to one car expert on social media, there's a lesser-known button that can expedite the process.
In a video posted on Instagram by Irish car dealership Kylemore Cars, media manager James Lee shared several steps to effectively defog your windows, including one crucial button to press for quicker results.
James began by outlining the basics: crank up your heater to maximum and switch on your air conditioning, as this helps to extract moisture from the air.
James then highlighted a "crucial step" - the need to switch off the recirculation button. This button typically features an icon of a car with an arrow that appears to be circling or making a U-turn.
When activated, this function recirculates the air emitted by the AC system within your vehicle, rather than drawing in fresh air from outside.
To defog your windows swiftly, it's essential to ensure this feature is deactivated. Otherwise, you'll simply be circulating the damp air already present in your car, instead of introducing fresh air that can eliminate condensation in no time.
James explained: "This gets rid of all the humid air inside the cabin."
Another "key step" often overlooked involves slightly opening your windows. While this might seem uncomfortable in freezing conditions, cracking your window open for a few minutes can significantly accelerate the defogging process.
The expert further advised: "Get the windows down slightly. Only for a few minutes.
"It just speeds up the process of getting the humid air inside the cabin, out."