Why is My Windscreen Freezing on the Inside?

With frosty mornings creeping in on us, we are starting to prepare ourselves with de-icer and an extra ten minutes in the morning routine.

Most of us will experience frost on the outside of our cars, but when its on the inside, it can be a real pain. It is normally caused by condensation building up when it rains.

It happens when the temperatures inside and outside of your car are different. This is especially true in new cars, or cars with a sunroof.

This said, condensation affects all vehicles, and we have all likely experience a frozen windscreen at some point. Newer cars may be better insulated and sealed which means humid air cannot move outside.

It is difficult to keep a windscreen completely free of moisture and condensation. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the amount of moisture in your car.

Why has my windscreen frozen on the inside?

Frozen windscreens occur when humid air inside your car comes into contact with a cold surface, like a window in winter months. This can produce fog or frost which disrupts the view from inside your car.

In the coldest months, this can even freeze, making it especially difficult to get rid of. It is illegal to drive with your windscreen in this state.

Keep your windscreen clean

In general, a key way to prevent frost on your windscreen is to keep your windscreen clean as this can slow down buildup of frost on your windscreen. Dirt particles attract moisture which can only worsen the problem.

One at-home hack for preventing your windscreen from freezing is to wipe your windscreen with white vinegar once a month. While it might not smell the best, this can be highly effective. Because white vinegar is not greasy, it will discourage moisture from clinging to your windscreen, more so than marketed windscreen wipes

Circulate air inside your car

Your car needs a circulation of fresh air regularly to stop frost on the inside. If we are not using our cars regularly, this can be the cause.

Car features

The best way to remove moisture from the air is with your car’s air con. Air con systems help moisture move out of your car and keeps the air inside your car refreshed. Make sure the setting is not just re-circulating the air inside your car.

Another thing you can try is to switch off the A/C and AUTO features of your car the last time you use it. Some cars will fog up instantly when the ignition is turned on otherwise. This said, when you get back in your car, put it back on to keep the air dry for next time.

How can I prevent my windscreen freezing?

The first thing most drivers will do when their windscreen is frozen is put their demisters on full. This does dry your windscreen eventually but try blowing colder air at your windscreen at first. It is more effective to slowly increase the temperature on the windows.

Remove any damp items from your car like towels or spare clothes. As they dry, the moisture in the air will contribute to condensation.

Open windows when safe

You can leave the front windows open a little, if your car is in safe place like a garage or private road. This gets fresh air into the car and reduces condensation. This may only be necessary for a few hours at a time.

Absorb excess moisture

Another method is to buy de-humidifiers – they are like the tiny silica gel bags you get with new clothes and other items.

If you’d rather save money, you could save silica packs up and dot them around your car instead. Most of us will have them lying around the house somewhere.

Another tip circulating the internet is cat litter in a pair of tights. The clay in cat litters works very well as a de-humidifier. So, if you’re a feline lover, that this can be worth a try.

Keep a cloth that is designed to absorb moisture in your glove box. This is helpful when you get in your car and need to quickly resolve the issue from the inside.

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