Air Conditioning for Defogging Windows

To defog your windshield and your side and rear windows, turn on your car's air conditioning.

Use the air conditioning to eliminate fog

The higher the humidity level, the more fog forms on your windshield.

Conditioned air works best for defogging, even in winter, because it is drier. This is why most automobile manufacturers have automated the air conditioning function on their recent models.

In these vehicles, when you select ventilation for the windshield (icons 4 and 5 in the picture), the air is automatically cooled, even though the air conditioning indicator light stays off.

Consequences of defogging using air conditioning

Although defogging windows using air conditioning greatly improves your safety, it also increases your fuel consumption. However, when you think about it, it is worth spending a few extra dollars to ensure your own safety and the safety of others.

Eco-friendly tips for ventilating the passenger compartment

Here are two solutions to ensure your comfort inside the vehicle and save fuel at the same time:

• crack open a window or open the sunroof slightly, instead of using the windshield ventilation functions (icons 4 and 5)
• select other vents on the dashboard so that fresh air flows through the passenger compartment (icons 1, 2 and 3)

To find out more

Read your vehicle owner's manual.

For more tips on how to reduce fuel consumption, visit the Ecomobile⁠ ⁠ Web site.