Drivers say 'life saver' car hack will fix foggy car windscreens
There's nothing worse than realising your car windows are all fogged up when you're already running late for work.
As temperatures drop, one TikTok user has shared a 'life saver' hack which can make light work of de-misting your windscreen.
The social media creator shared a video that went viral after he discovered a clever car accessory that can save you a whole load of time and hassle.
TikToker @allukreviews explained how to place the dehumidifier in your car the night before; it will absorb the moisture and prevent that pesky fogginess.
They cost £10.99 for two on Amazon (UK) or $19.99 for two in the US.
Car dehumidifier bags
How to use a car dehumidifier bag
“All you want to do is throw them [the dehumidifiers] on your dashboard and they’re going to soak up all of the moisture and the condensation from inside, stopping you from having to mess about wiping the inside of your windscreen in the morning,” the TikToker explained.
As well as impairing visibility, damp build-up can be bad for your car and damage the interior over time, as well as forming mould.
These nifty dehumidifiers have had people raving about them, leaving thousands of happy reviews on Amazon.
You can get two of the reusable dehumidifiers in a pack for a steal at £10.49, bringing the cost down to less than a fiver per unit.
But they're reusable, so the cost-per-use could be as low as 6p if you use it daily for six months (it's suggested you can use them from between six months to a year, but some users insist they're still working perfectly after two years).
One happy customer wrote: “In the colder months, I’ve suffered with awful water on the inside of my screen. Every morning, I’d spend a good 15 minutes waiting for it to clear. With this product, it is now pleasantly easy to just leave in the morning and I only use one at a time in my Golf.”
Another added: "I was a bit sceptical about how well this would work but it’s amazing. I put it on the dashboard when I park at home in the evening and then in the morning the car is condensation free."
Why does my car windscreen fog up in winter?
So why do the windows mist up?
Halfords motoring expert Ivan Wu explains: "Cars fog over during winter due to the temperature difference between the cold exterior and the warmer, moisture-filled air inside the vehicle.
"When people in the car breathe, talk, or bring in moisture (from wet clothing or snow), it produces water vapour in the atmosphere which results in condensation when it comes into contact with cold windows."
Most importantly, it is a criminal offence to drive without having a clear view of the road, so these little gadgets can save you a lot of trouble as well as time.
How does the car dehumidifier work?
These little car dehumidifiers will cost you less than a tenner for two of them (equivalent to less than 3p per use over the recommended six months), and they don't need plugging in or using electricity.
These handy pouches are filled with beads which have been designed to absorb any excess moisture, as well as active carbon.
It can draw in up to 60 percent of its weight in moisture, preventing it from forming as condensation on your windscreen.
They're reusable as well, as once they are full you simply dry them out on a radiator or airing cupboard.
You can even dry them in the microwave at 600W for no more than six minutes.
There's also a heat-sensitive indicator that changes colour from pink (hot) to blue (cold) when it needs to be recharged and dried out.
Where to buy a dehumidifier for your car this winter
Get your hands on the Hillington Reusable Car Interior Dehumidifier Bags from Amazon, costing £9.99 for a pack of two.
Saving time in the morning is priceless, though, for safety and peace of mind too.
Car dehumidifier bags
£10.99 for two (6p cost-per-use)
Jen Thomas