ACE: 10 Winter Tips for Clear Visibility in the Car

However, especially in winter, this can become a challenge when the windows fog up or freeze. The ACE, Europe's mobility companion, provides ten tips on how to quickly clear the view and keep it clear.

Avoid moisture in the car

Damp clothing and snow in the car are possible causes of fogged car windows. Therefore, winter jackets should be stowed in the trunk if possible, and snow residues should be knocked off the shoes before getting in. Wet floor mats should also be regularly dried, as they otherwise contribute to increased humidity in the vehicle.

ACE tip: Socks filled with cat litter in the car bind moisture and reduce window fogging. If there is a suspicion that moisture is penetrating from outside, it is advisable to visit a workshop. Clogged cabin filters restrict air exchange. Mold spots on door panels and the car ceiling indicate defective seals or clogged drains.

Keep windows clean from the inside

Since dirty windows fog up significantly faster, the inside of the car windows should be regularly cleaned with glass cleaner. Afterwards, an anti-fog spray can be applied.

Correctly Using Heating and Blower

Whether activated via voice control, touchscreen, buttons, or regulators – fogged windows clear most quickly when the heating and blower are both set to the highest level and the airflow is directed straight at the windshield. It's important to individually determine which automatic functions your vehicle has and which need to be manually controlled.

In vehicles with air conditioning, it additionally helps to remove moisture from the air – however, the air conditioning should only be used at temperatures above five degrees. Important: Turn off the recirculation mode to allow moist air to escape outside. Some vehicles also have an electrically heated windshield. Whether this needs to be switched on manually or is automatically activated depends on the vehicle type.

Avoid Icy Windows with Covering Film

Anyone who places an aluminum-coated cover film on the windshield in the evening often saves themselves from scraping in the morning. Usually, the film is simply clamped under the wipers so that it fits as tightly as possible – this way, the windshield is protected from icing from the outside.

Protecting Wiper Blades from Freezing

To prevent wiper blades from freezing, there are special covers for the wiper blades. Alternatively, a piece of soft film can be placed under the wipers. Some vehicles offer a vertical maintenance position for wipers, which makes it easier to lift them and better secure the cover film – however, it is crucial to test whether the wipers remain in this position even when the car is locked. The ACE advises against lifting the wipers up, as they could snap back in strong wind and damage the windshield.

Use the parking heater – if available

A parking heater ensures clear windows before the journey begins without complications. ACE tip: Some vehicles already have a parking heater installed, but its function is locked. It can often be activated by the manufacturer for a fee. Letting the engine warm up while stationary, however, is prohibited and is punishable with a fine of 80 euros.

Have an ice scraper ready

A sturdy plastic ice scraper is an indispensable winter tool. Ideally, it has a smooth edge for frost, a saw tooth edge for thick ice layers, and a rubber edge for wet windows.

Make use of a hot water bottle

To clear windows frozen from the inside, it can help to place a hot water bottle on the dashboard a few minutes before the planned drive. The warmth will thaw the ice. Caution: Hot water should never be poured onto the windows, as the large temperature differences can cause cracks in the glass.