Drivers warned over simple window mistake that could cost them £1,000

DRIVERS have been warned that a simple window mistake could see them hit with a £1,000 fine.

Half of Brits have admitted to driving with steamed up windows, which could obscure their view of the road.

As well as the risk of a huge fine, you could also get three points on your licence.

That's because a misted up window could mean you failed "to have proper control of the vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead", according to the Highway Code.

According to research by National Tyres and Autocare, 46% of drivers admit to feeling some level of anxiety when it comes to driving in poor weather conditions.

In total, 50% of the respondents to the survey reported driving with foggy windows.

Car windows fog up when warm moist air comes into contact with the cold glass.

The heat from your body and breath warms the air inside the car and increases the moisture levels.

When that moisture hits the cold glass, it condenses and causes the mist or fog on the windscreen and windows.

How can I clear my windscreen?

Use the heater

Start your heater off cold, then slowly increase the temperature as the air dries out, rather than overloading the cabin with hot, ‘wet’ air.

Try to find a temperature and humidity that’s comfortable but doesn’t mist up the inside of the car.

Make sure the blast of hot air is directed at the windscreen and the windows.

The warmer air will dry the glass a little through evaporation and begin to heat up the glass to stop the water vapour condensing on it again.

Use the air-con

If your car has air conditioning make sure it is switched on and is used in conjunction with the heater.

Hot air will dry the glass a little through evaporation, but the air will then cool down and condense on the glass once more, so make sure the air-con is on to keep the atmosphere inside dry.

Climate control system

If you have a climate control system, you canuse it to clear your windscreen.

There’ll most likely be a setting for demisting the windscreen, which will automatically adjust the ventilation system’s parameters to achieve the best results. 

Use your windows

If you don’t have a clever climate control system, having the windows down could actually help clear the screen faster.

This helps because the dry, cold air from outside can help reduce the amount of water vapour inside the car, stopping the screen misting up.