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Blog - how to defog windshield in summer


October 24, 2023

How to Defog Your Windshield in the Summer

Foggy windshields dont just happen in the winter. The heat and humidity of summer can also cause your car windshield to fog up, but how do you clear your windows of this unwanted condensation? Heres everything you need to know about how to defog your windshield in summer.


What Causes Foggy Windows in Summer?

Windshield fogging is often caused by temperature differences between the outside air and your passenger cabin. When the warm air outside of your vehicle comes into contact with the cooler surfaces of your car windows, fog or condensation begins to form.

How to Defog Your Windshield in Summer

When learning how to defog a windshield in summer — as well as winter — the key is to maintain a balanced temperature both inside and outside your vehicle. A few ways to do this include slightly raising the interior temperature via your heater or defroster, lowering your car windows, disengaging the air recirculation feature, and using your windshield wipers.


Turn Up the Heat

Although turning up the heat within your cabin can seem counterintuitive in hot temperatures, this is often the most effective solution for defogging your windshield in summer. By adjusting the temperature inside of your vehicle to match the temperature outside, you’ll quickly clear up the foggy windshield.

However, if the temperature controls within your car arent functioning properly, there may be a bigger issue. Assess your cabin air filter and HVAC system to make sure theyre functioning properly. If they arent, youll want to ensure you have the best quality replacement parts for your specific vehicle by shopping OEM components at INFINITI Parts & Accessories.

Use Your Defrost Feature

The defrost feature in your INFINITI can come in handy when defogging your car windows in summer. Much like raising the temperature with your heater, your heated defrost can also help balance the temperatures between your vehicles exterior and interior. The defrost setting also helps your vehicle’s A/C system pull moisture from the air to help prevent fogging on the inside.

Lower Your Car Windows

If you need to get somewhere fast and your windows havent completely defogged, a quick way to clear your windshield could be to open your windows. Doing so can allow the temperature within your cabin to adjust to the outside air more quickly.

Engage the Air Recirculation Button

If the air outside your vehicle is super humid, you may want to try the air recirculation feature. When the air recirculation feature is engaged, you can keep the drier interior air inside your vehicle to help prevent fogging instead of pulling in the humid air. However, if it’s more humid in your vehicle than outside, you should disengage the air recirculation feature.

Use Your Windshield Wipers

In summer, the seasons heat and high moisture levels can cause condensation to collect on the exterior windows of your INFINITI. To clear fog quickly and restore visibility, turn on your windshield wipers. The wipers will remove the built-up moisture instantly. However, this may be a temporary fix as the temperatures within your cabin will still need to remain balanced with the outside air.

How to Defog a Windshield in Summer Rain

During hot, precipitous months, the heat from high temperatures and the moisture from the rainy atmosphere can cause condensation build-up, impairing visibility through your car windows. To help ensure that this condensation doesnt affect your ability to drive on the road, turn on your A/C system and blast warm air. Once your cabin reaches the same temperature as the outside, your windows should start to defog.

How to Prevent Foggy Windshields in Summer

Keep Your Windshield Clean

Unclean windows are more likely to experience fogging. Dirt particles encourage condensation, causing fog to occur more often than it would on a clean windshield. To help prevent this issue, wash your windshield regularly with window cleaner.

Ensure That Your Windshield Wipers Work

Old or ineffective windshield wipers can make it difficult to clear your vehicle of outside fog in the summer months. Ensure that you have properly functioning windshield wipers made specifically for your vehicle by shopping OEM parts at INFINITI Parts & Accessories.

Apply an Anti-fog Treatment to Your Windshield

Anti-fog treatments, in combination with a clean window, work well to prevent fogging. They create a protective film on the glass, keeping condensation from forming on the windshield.

Maintain Your Cabin Air Filter

Cabin air filters collect and prevent dirt particles from circulating throughout your cabin. It also filters the air that comes through your air conditioning or HVAC system. When this component becomes clogged, dirty, or damaged, it can reduce air quality and impact your defroster’s ability to function correctly. The result? More fog on your windshield.

If your cabin filter is no longer doing its job properly, it may be time for a replacement. By keeping your cabin air clean and ensuring that your vehicles HVAC components are working efficiently, you can better prevent foggy windows, regardless of temperature.

Maintain Your HVAC System

Along with the cabin air filter, youll want to ensure that your HVAC system works as it should. This system manages the features that control your vehicles cabin temperature. If your HVAC is damaged or malfunctioning, your windshield will likely fog up easier and more often.

Clear the Road Ahead with OEM Parts & Accessories from INFINITI

Foggy windows occur most in harsh conditions like the summer and winter months, causing you to lose visibility on the road or delaying your trip or commute. Dont let a foggy windshield hinder your plans. Help ensure that your HVAC system is in excellent working condition, and shop OEM replacement parts from INFINITI Parts & Accessories.


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