Condensation Inside Car

[rsvp]

My car lives outside and is sopping wet inside in the mornings. Have been onto ebay and see there are some crystals that are supposed to keep this problem in check - but that's not solving the problem is it? Any advice on how to improve the situation gratefully accepted. Maybe a combination of things? Many thanks in advance.

[woofgang]

What do you keep in your car? damp dog towels? a damp coat? anything with moisture in it? If you do, clear it all out, it should help.

[rsvp]

woofgang I don't keep anything like that in the car but thanks for the thought.

[woofgang]

hmmm, how old is the car? if its more or less airtight and dry inside, then there shouldn't be any moisture in it to condense.

[mccfluff]

mine is quite bad - not as bad as yours and i was advised to keep the (this will get techinical) thingy that controls the air to either recirculate or get fresh air from outside - to the outside only.

that has helped a bit, well its just steamy windows now......

[Old_Geezer]

I used to get that, but at the time I had an old car. Only way I solved the issue was wait until it failed the MOT then got a replacement.

[rsvp]

woofgang it's quite an old car (but in excellent condition) so perhaps it;s the seals - think I'll thoroughly dry it out today, put some cat litter in then get those crystal things delivered. Thank you.
mccluff - will consult the manual! - thank tou for the suggestion

[gingejbee]

Firstly, I can tell you that silica gel desiccant crystals DO work, but you need a reasonable amount to dry out damp cars.
However, as you know, there must be a source of dampness..a common one being water finding a way to the interior, and (on some cars)water sitting in door seals after rain - it simply increases the moisture level inside (VW group cars are culprits here).
So, you need to find what's putting the moisture level up, put it right, then silica gel can help keep it dry.

[ladybirder]

I get the same but not as bad as yours rsvp. My aircon clears it very quickly once I'm driving but I haven't a clue how to stop it happening unless leaving a couple of windows open a mm would help.

[bookbinder]

You might find some help here:
http://mobile.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=3&t=934943&r=16269482&hm=39646&mid=39646
http://bbs.scoobynet.com/general-technical-10/864304-heavy-condensation-build-up-inside-car.html
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/condensation/

[rsvp]

Old-Geezer - your solution is not my number one choice but thank you all the same - :-))

[rsvp]

gingejbee - good to know those crystals do work - that's really helpful, thank you.
Ladybirder will try and leave window open when I'm driving and see if that helps a bit. Thank you
Great links bookbinder - there's going to keep me busy for a while. Thank you.

[KARL]

In my opinion, it is highly likely that somewhere the car leaks in wet weather. One way to check is to lift ALL carpets/mats right down to metal (including in the boot) and see if there is moisture/water underneath - I would not be surprised if you find that in some low spot there is a significant amount of water in the carpet/deadening and/or on the actual metal. As someone already said, if the car is dry inside there should be no noticeable condensation on internal surfaces.

[kjn2]

I was told (only last year) not to use the aircon in winter as this greatly increases the dampness in a car when left overnight . So when I go out for a trip about 5 miles from home I always turn the aircon off. Worth a try?

[rsvp]

thank you Karl - am just off out now to dry out and inspect my trusty (hopefully not rusty) car.

[gingejbee]

kjn2: that's very strange advice because using air-con in Winter actually dries the air INSIDE the car and deposits it OUTSIDE. Air-con is actually recommended to clear condensation from windscreens in car handbooks.

[rsvp]

kj2 - thanks for the reply however, after reading my handbook re: aircons, have to go with gingeejb's advice -

[ZeeZee]

Have you checked your heater matrix hasn't failed. The matrix is a small type of 'radiator' in the heater/cooling system. If this fails the windscreen will be full of condensation as the liquid in the matrix escapes, even if you drive along with the heater on.

[Buenchico]

If it's condensation on the inside of your screen that's the concern (rather than just general dampness) it's worth remembering that it's scientifically impossible for condensation to adhere to near-vertical glass; what it actually adheres to is the thin layer of dirt that accumulates on the inside of your windscreen. So, if you clean the inside of your windscreen thoroughly with vinegar, condensation will be considerably less of a problem.

[Purple_Popple]

Check all your drainage points around the car...these easily get clogged with dirt and leaves..check.your air con filters as these can harbour moisture if they are not replaced regularly. Also check washer bottle for leaks and the tubes that carry washer to thewindscreen.

[rsvp]

More great answers - thanks so much.
ZeeZee have no idea what my heater matrix is but will check handbook
Buenchicho - now you mention it there does seem to be a bit of a film over the inside of the screen - I think from one of those anti mist cloths I used some time ago -will try your suggestion.
purple_popple will check your suggestions too - have looked at drainage holes but not the other things you mentioned.
Have to say it doesn't seem as bad today after I thoroughly wiped the inside windows down and have had the heater on.
Appreciate all the help.