Condensation

[bluebird34]

Hi My Ford Fiesta is very old (but very loved !!) but in the winter there is so much condensation on the windscreen and windows that it literally drips off when i wipe it. Is there an easy inexpensive way to minimise this please. Despite my name I am female.

[Answerprancer]

Not very 'eco friendly' but I would advise getting an extension cable and placing a blower heater in there with the windows cracked open (on a dry day) in order to drive the excess moisture out. Keep the heater below its maximum setting to reduce the risk of scorching anything and move it around every 15 mins so that all areas get dried out.

[Buenchico]

A relevant thread:
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Motoring/Question1194029.html
(Please refer to my post regarding vinegar)

[ChillDoubt]

Chris,
Is bog standard malt ok or is the clearer pickling vinegar best?
Or does it not matter which?
Serious question!

[bluebird34]

I read the thread - very interesting especially the remarks about air con. i did say my car was very old - it has wind up windows and certainly nothing as up to date as air con. I couldnt find anything about vinegar so could you tell me that - my friend keeps telling me to wipe over the windscreen with fairy liquid ??????/?

[ChillDoubt]

tomking,
The only time I've heard advice about fairy liquid is on the outside of the windscreen, for squeaky wipers.
Could be wrong though!

[espookid]

is the condensation when you start to drive or always
My friend had a caravan and he put a bowl of salt on the table over winter as it takes up the moisture especially if you drive it so often ,of course you would have to find a different "table" but two bowls of salt with one drying in the house isn't so dear

[TWR]

If it's possible & weather permitting, drop all the windows about an 2" & let the air circulate inside the car, have you left any damp mats within the car? If so, remove & dry out.

[Hopkirk]

I have a really old Fiesta, and it is dry as a bone inside.

Yours is leaking somehow.

You need to find how the water is getting in. Check for wet floor to get an idea where to investigate.

[Buenchico]

Detergents (such as Fairy Liquid) may leave a thin film on the window. Your objective is to leave the screen completely clean. (Water vapour can't adhere to clean glass). Vinegar is far better. I just use supermarket 'value' stuff, e.g. 49p per pint from Tesco:
http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=272338207
I keep a bottle in the boot and occasionally apply some via a wad of kitchen towels.

[jno]

I got one of these doodads

http://www.easylifegroup.com/eco-car-dehumidifier-3770

I haven't had any condensation since. It might just be because this winter so far has been milder than the last few, of course. But so far I'm very happy with it.

[bluebird34]

Thank you all for your brilliant suggestions. I have tried the salt and I have to say it was excellent - there was still some misting but far less than usual and i shall continue with this. Yes I do leave my soggy cloths in the car and I shall discontinue this. I haven't done the vinegar yet but will do it and will also leave windows open from time to time. I think all these things combined will work and i f not I will buy one of those demister thingies, so thank you all once again - I do love this site xx Janet