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.

[Zacs-Master]

Do you have air-con?

[rsvp]

Yep Zac Master and have had it on a bit today as I understand it removes humidity from inside the car.

[Zacs-Master]

It dramatically reduces condensation. Put it on with the heating and the fan on full blast. Should clear in a minute or so.

[rsvp]

Thank you Zac Master - will do

[Hypognosis]

Last time I had a bad case of this problem it was to do with a grommet in the passenger footwell, through which some electrical cables passed from the engine bay to the dashboard. Water flowing down the windscreen drain hole was somehow finding its way to the hole

Rubber and synthetic rubber components degrade with the passage of time (ie low mileage is immaterial), becoming stiffer and shrinking somewhat. Components exposed to sunlight (window seals) age even faster.

Manufacturers expect us to dispose of a 10 year old vehicle so they cannot justify the greater expense of materials which last longer. "Built to last" is nowadays equated with "killing company profits".

[Old_Geezer]

If it killed a rival company product because your product lasted years longer and held its value, that ought not be seen as a bad thing. A delay in the revenue stream more than compensated by a steadily growing stream.

[Hypognosis]

That's true, O_G. But you're talking about the luxury car market, there. Money is no object on the components, so they can build them to last and it remains as a mobile advert for the company for decades. Something for people to aspire to.

[joko]

i had this, somehow my car footwells got flooded - i can only assume when i went through a deep puddle fast

its took ages to syphon out and dry off- mould began to grow and i had to bleach the whole inside - its ok now though still not quite dry - fortunately the bleach did not discolour any of the fabrics etc, so i used a lot

if you can, stand in the footwell behind the seat , nearest the centre, and push against the roof, pressing your foot down as hard as possible ... you may find a puddle forming - i used a wet and dry vac to get it all out and a hell of a lot of liquid was hidden under the carpet and sponge etc

[rsvp]

I can't express my gratitude for all the answers - apros the last four - my footwell is dry joko, am not sure what a grommet is hypognosis and I am not in the luxury car category - Old_geezer....I always treat your answers with respect!!

[solvitquick]

Nope the crystals quickly dissolve into a solution which is awkward to dipose of - worse than doing nothing! Defo not in engine compartment!
I've tried the widely distributed crystals in my foot-well but same problem, turning into solution. They are made of silica gel like that enclosed in little bags in medicines, but the meds are not kept in damp atmospheres comparable with exterior weather. Unlike me am replying without reading the other responses, sorry.
Good luck rsvp,
SIQ.

[rsvp]

solvitquick - am going to give all my responses a try - have had brilliant solutions from this site - thanks.

[tiggerblue10]

I had a problem with water in my car a few months back after some very heavy rain had soaked through the windscreen seal. It caused really bad condensation and took ages for the heating and fan to dry the windscreen. Anyway, got rid of the water but not completely and ended up growing mushrooms on the floor! Since I've had the seal replaced and drained the water it seems fine and I can just wipe the inside of the windscreen.

[malagabob]

Only a small amount of water inside will condense on glass under the right conditions "warm moist air condensing on a colder surface". Just getting in and out of a car with wet shoes introduces water. And after time will build up.
My job involved getting in and out of my car very frequently. I used to put whole newspapers in the footwell to absorb the moisture and change it at regular intervals.
Dont leave wet umbrellas and coats in the car.

[rsvp]

Have tried most of the suggestions offered and am delighted to say that this morning my car was very, very much better - in fact I think it has ceased to be a problem (although it wasn't cold last night so maybe I mustn't speak too soon). Think it's a question now of keeping the management system in place. I can't thank everyone enough for the help and suggestions - ansabank heroes one and all!

[razza]

Most condensation in a car is caused by our own breathing,when you use it try opening one of the windows about an inch for the duration of the drive,it doesnt cure it but it cuts it down.

[rsvp]

thanks Razza - pleased you didn't suggest I held my breath when driving.

[Zacs-Master]

Glad it helped rsvp. Don't open the window if you're using the air con as the damp external air will counteract the effect.

[boxtops]

It's only my windows and windsreen I'm troubled with - freezes up INSIDE on cold mornings. Chris has a good point - the windows need cleaning :-(

[rsvp]

Noted Zac master and thanks.
Least favourite job Boxtops but a woman's gotta do what a etc ect ect.