The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) gives its advice
13:23, 30 Nov 2025Updated 14:30, 30 Nov 2025
Condensation can be a problem in chillier months(Image: dies-irae via Getty Images)
Drivers are urged to remove one item from their cars to stop condensation. The chillier months frequently bring condensation along with them.
Nevertheless, if you’re hoping to dodge this issue there’s a straightforward solution you can try, and it simply requires removing a commonplace object from your motor.
Motorists have previously discussed this issue on Reddit, when somebody enquired: “Why do I have so much condensation/moisture on [the] inside of [my] car windows/windshield? Help,” reports WalesOnline.
This query prompted numerous individuals to offer suggestions. One individual responded: “Turn up your heat, turn on defrost and make sure the air intake is set to outside air.” Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Someone else commented: “My problem was wet cloth floor mats in the past, and before that was using e-cigs in my car early morning before heading into work.”
A third person also observed: “Your doors have drains that can get clogged and are fairly easy to check. That, and all of the weatherstripping around the doors, windows and trunk.
“Moisture is getting in your car somehow, you just have to figure out how it’s getting in.”
Condensation can be triggered by numerous factors, keeping particular items in your vehicle, including damp mats, can naturally make the problem worse. But the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) provides specific advice on this matter.
It explains: “Windscreen misting happens when moisture in the air inside your vehicle condenses on the cooler surface of the glass. When the inside temperature is warm and humid, and the windscreen and outside is colder, moisture will appear.
“This typically happens in colder months of the year, and these droplets of water will need to be cleared before you drive. Humidity inside the car can happen if drivers leave wet clothes, shoes, umbrellas and other items to dry, as well as any leaks within the vehicle that cause collections of rainwater.
“Damp car mats and upholstery can also cause misty windscreens and windows. It can also be the result of poor air conditioning and circulation.”
So keeping any sort of wet item inside your car could be the reason your vehicle is fogging up. This means any soggy belongings, including mats, garments or footwear, must be taken out to tackle the issue. There are other perhaps more surprising solutions too.
What triggers condensation in vehicles?
- Condensation develops inside a car when heated, humid air within the vehicle encounters a chilled surface, typically the glass. This results in the moisture vapour turning into water droplets.
- Common sources of moisture inside a vehicle often include passengers’ breath, damp clothing or pets, hot beverages and leaks from door or sunroof seals. Additionally, temperature differences, particularly overnight, can create the cold surface that triggers condensation.
- As winter approaches, this naturally becomes a more significant issue for drivers. When temperatures fall, car condensation turns into a nightmare, with windscreens becoming more susceptible to fogging up.
- A thin layer of moisture forms on the windscreen due to a substantial temperature difference between the car’s interior and exterior. This can cause inconvenience for many drivers during morning commutes.
Removing damp items may help alleviate the problem but it is also crucial to check for any leaks. If you’re uncertain why the issue has worsened for you, it would be wise to consult a mechanic for further guidance.