Abra Auto Glass Blog

Driving with foggy windows can be a major safety hazard. Many people face the uncertainty of if they need to use heat or cold in this situation. If you struggle to defog your windows, we’ve compiled a few tips below that can help to clear things up.

Whether or not you need to use heat or cold to defog your windows depends on the temperature outside. On a cold day, any moisture in the air inside your car turns to condensation when it hits air next to the windows that is below a certain temperature. The condensation is what makes your car's windows appear foggy. On a hot, humid day, the opposite happens, when the muggy air outside your car reaches the dew point against your windshield after it's cooled by your AC system. In its most basic sense, the end goal is to match the temperature inside your car to the temperature outside.
 
When it's colder outside your car than inside, the windows typically fog the exterior of the glass.
Here's what to do in that situation:

• First, turn the heat to its maximum setting, because hot air can hold more moisture. In extremely cold temperatures, gradually increase the heat to avoid damage to your auto glass.
• Next, turn the AC on, which will pull the moisture from the air as it passes over the cooling coils.
• Finally, turn off the recirculation button so colder, dryer air is brought into the car.
• If possible, crack your windows for a few minutes to help replace the humid interior air with dryer outside air.

When it’s warmer outside your car than inside, the windows will typically fog up on the exterior of your auto glass.

Follow these steps in this situation:

• First thing: Use your windshield wipers. This will help get rid of the condensation until you've balanced out the temperature.
• Warm up your car: Turn down the AC to the lowest (least-cool) setting to increase the temperature without it becoming too uncomfortable. If this doesn't work, turn the AC off completely.
• Leave air recirculation off: As stated above, it's a good idea to turn off your car's recirculation feature to battle foggy windows so the temperature and moisture levels in your car begin to equalize with those outside.

Every once in a while, extreme temperature differences can cause cracked or shattered windshields. When this happens, there is no need to panic. The auto glass experts of Abra are here to help! Whether you need a simple repair or a full windshield replacement, we can handle any of your auto glass needs. Be sure to take advantage of our FREE Mobile Windshield Replacement service!

Driving safety is one of the most important aspects of getting behind the wheel. We all do our best to keep ourselves protected and safe while on the road. When thinking of safety while driving your vehicle there are many things that come to mind, but I’m sure one of them isn’t how to avoid windshield damage.

Preventing windshield damage while on the road is a key component to overall safety behind the wheel and could be the determining factor of a terrible outcome. To do your part in staying safe while driving, check out the tips below on how to avoid windshield damage while driving.

Reduce time on dirt or gravel
When driving on surfaces like dirt or gravel, debris will kick up and could lead to the possibility of cracks or dents in your windshield. To help minimize the likelihood of this happening, try to limit your time driving on dirt or gravel roads when possible.

Slow down over bumps
Speed bumps and potholes happen, it’s just something we simply can’t avoid. Extreme jolts like uneven ground can turn an already small chip in your windshield into a massive problem. When going over rough terrain, reduce your speed and be careful to help prevent damage.

Keep your space behind vehicles
Whether you are traveling behind an open cargo truck or any other vehicle, make sure to keep your space to avoid potential windshield damage. Things like rocks and dirt get kicked up from other drivers on the road which could lead to windshield damage. To decrease your chances of getting smoked with debris, give yourself plenty of space between the car in front of you.

Minimize time in construction zones
Areas of road construction can be full of loose materials and debris that could hit your windshield. Take the detour and avoid your time spent in construction zones. The extra time added on your commute will be well worth not damaging your windshield.

Find shade whenever possible
After getting to your final destination and finding a place to park, do your best at finding a spot in the shade. Intense sunlight can weaken your windshield and could turn a small imperfection into a huge issue. Seek out shaded parking spaces to help reduce new problems from occurring.

By following these tips, you will be able to take the right steps in keeping your windshield protected while driving.

Even when taking precautionary measures to avoid windshield damage, we know that sometimes accidents happen. If you do find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of dealing with a chipped or broken windshield while on the road, you have no need to worry, Abra Auto Glass is here to help. Our team of auto glass experts will help you every step of the way. From meeting you where the accident happened with our FREE mobile auto glass service, all the way to helping with billing and insurance claims. Abra Auto Glass is committed to getting you safely back on the road.

To learn more or make an appointment with an Auto Glass expert, contact us today.