Windows steaming up every time it rains

[Diehammer]

this is really doing my head in, everytime it rains all the front windows steam up. I have tried all the settings and different fan speeds but the only way I can clear them is to put the aircon on.

Anyone any ideas what settings I should be using? I usually have the fan speed at 2 and using the front vents, temperature varies depending how warm or cold it is outside.

[Buck]

You do need to have the aircon on.

I'd say that you should be having the climate control on all of the time - that's how its designed to operate. (Unless you are tootling around with the window open - I turn mine off then)

[mcmaddy]

You bought a car with climate control and don't use it and expect the windows to stay clear in damp humid conditions? Use the climate control as it's intended ie on and see what happens.

[Hawaii-Five-O]

As others have said you need to dehumidify the air to take the moisture off your windscreen. It's also a good idea to use your climate control year round or else they lose their effectiveness.

You should also check you don't have your air intake set to recirculating. This leads to terrible misting up!

[p3asa]

I've always maintained the opposite is true for me. I never use my aircon for the very fact as soon as I get in my car the next time the windows steam up regardless of the conditions.
I just thing its a vicious circle. I now don't have any steaming up at all just using the blower alone.
I admit I don't fully understand how the aircon works but my method works for me.

[am1w]

It's also a good idea to use your climate control year round or else they lose their effectiveness.

^ This.

[Exonian]

As above, just keep the air-con on auto or you'll run into problems with the system a few years down the line.
I have a workmate who has an R32 and he virtually never turns the air-con on thinking is saves him fuel. I think the couple of litres he will save over the year will pale into insignificance once he has to have his system re gassed because the seals have all dried out.

[am1w]

As above, just keep the air-con on auto or you'll run into problems with the system a few years down the line.
I have a workmate who has an R32 and he virtually never turns the air-con on thinking is saves him fuel. I think the couple of litres he will save over the year will pale into insignificance once he has to have his system re gassed because the seals have all dried out.

^ This. In total agreement.
To put it very bluntly, it is also a very stupid fuel saving measure.
Penny wise, pound foolish.

[monkeyhanger]

As above, just keep the air-con on auto or you'll run into problems with the system a few years down the line.
I have a workmate who has an R32 and he virtually never turns the air-con on thinking is saves him fuel. I think the couple of litres he will save over the year will pale into insignificance once he has to have his system re gassed because the seals have all dried out.

^ This. In total agreement.
To put it very bluntly, it is also a very stupid fuel saving measure.
Penny wise, pound foolish.

Depends on the trip - if you're doing 70 on a dual carriageway, there's a lot of air rushing past the aircon radiator to exchange heat, and the system will be doing its job easily for very little fuel cost. Crawling along in gridlocked traffic and the system has to work very hard - you'd be better off with the windows open. Get above 30mph and the wind noise gets a bit intrusive.

[am1w]

As above, just keep the air-con on auto or you'll run into problems with the system a few years down the line.
I have a workmate who has an R32 and he virtually never turns the air-con on thinking is saves him fuel. I think the couple of litres he will save over the year will pale into insignificance once he has to have his system re gassed because the seals have all dried out.

^ This. In total agreement.
To put it very bluntly, it is also a very stupid fuel saving measure.
Penny wise, pound foolish.

Depends on the trip - if you're doing 70 on a dual carriageway, there's a lot of air rushing past the aircon radiator to exchange heat, and the system will be doing its job easily for very little fuel cost. Crawling along in gridlocked traffic and the system has to work very hard - you'd be better off with the windows open. Get above 30mph and the wind noise gets a bit intrusive.

And breath in the fumes? No thanks. Rather have all the windows closed, the Climate Control on and listen to music without the intrusive noise of other cars.