Condensation and steamy windows!

[kathryan]

I have recently bought a 3.5 year old Golf. Initially there was a huge amount of condensation on the inside of the windows on several mornings. When I took it back to the garage they suggested it had not dried out properly after being valeted. The carpets did appear wet. I have tried to ensure it is now thoroughly dry but some mornings it is still very steamed up inside and it takes ages to clear just using the car heater. It does smell a bit damp now. It could all be due to the valeting but I am worried that it is something more serious....a leak? Problems with the air conditioning? Something else? It does not seem right for a fairly new car. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks

[bellendski]

A valet done correctly shouldn't make the carpets so wet that they are still that damp. Could be a leak... sometimes they are a ****** to locate.

As you've mentioned it to the garage already, keep an eye on it and don't be afraid to go back and kick up a stink if, say in a week, the condensation is still bad.

[tufty7]

take it back , ask them to dry it out for you , its a worrying sign it smells damp , also ask for the last contact details of the previous owner and ask them straight, did it have a leak??
The vw's are not prone to leak BUT its well worth looking to see if its had a windscreen replacement because thats where I would look first failing that a bulk head grommet perhaps ?? best of luck .... but keep taking it back until its sorted badger the service manager .....

[Toureman]

Air conditioners are not just for keeping the car cool.

Even when the outside temperature is cold switching the A/C on and turning the heater up has the same effect as a dehumidifier, all condensation should clear within a few minutes of doing this.

You could be getting water entering the car from sun roof drains blocked, leaking roof aerial, window seals, etc, etc.

The garage should sort it though.

[matt1e]

i had this sort of thing once on an astra i had it turned out that the pollen filter was satuated with water it might be worth checking

[kathryan]

thanks very much for all the suggestions. I took it back and it was a leak in the window seal that is currently being fixed. Fingers crossed that sorts it. thanks