This winter the inside of my car windows have had a lot of condensation after the car has been sitting for a while. Why is this happening & what can I do to stop it?? Thanks!!
It removes itself quickly if the heater is on the Fresh Air position; I suspect you may be in the Recirculation mode. All warm cars when parked will have some condenstaion or frost on the inside when cooling down. When the heater/defrster start up this moisture is quicly evaporated. The full Defrost mode also will temporarily engage the A/C which will quickly dehydrate the air as it warms up.
That, or you may have water leaking into the car from rain or snow. That will greatly increase the condensation on cold windows.
There is moisture inside your vehicle. It will condense on the inside of the cold windows. What you have to figure out is where the moisture came from.
Do you have the HVAC system set to “recirculate?” If so, switch it to “outside air” and see if that helps. Lift the floor mats and feel for dampness in the carpeting. If you find a wet spot, look for leaks.
Do you smell anything unusual? A leaking heater core can put a LOT of moisture into the air in your car. A sweet smell can indicate anti-freeze, which will leak from a heater core.
When you park outside, leave a window cracked open on a sunny day. On the sunny side. If you do it on the other side, there will be frost on the window.
Thanks! I will try switching it out of recirculation mode!
In addition to causing the condensation that you observed on your windows, using recirculation mode for an extended period of time can lead to some serious health problems if there are any leaks from your exhaust system.
The HVAC system’s recirculation mode can be useful, but should only be used for short periods of time in order to avoid the build-up of moisture and/or carbon monoxide (the colorless, odorless gas from your exhaust that can kill you). If you want further information on this topic, read the relevant section of your Owner’s Manual.