MOTORISTS have been issued with an unusual tip to clear misty car windows this autumn – but one that could prevent a potential £1,000 fine.
As temperatures drop, misty windscreens are something drivers don’t want to deal with and luckily they no longer have to.
Car condensation can become a real hassle, and windscreens often get foggy but a group of car experts have come with the purr-fect solution – a sock filled with cat litter.
One Facebook user has described the cat-litter tip as “fantastic” while another simply said: “Love it.”
As Swansway Motor Group (SMG) explained in a blog post: “Many drivers experience the frustration of fogged-up windows during the colder months.
“This is often due to wet shoes, damp clothing, or melting snow, which increases the humidity within the car.
“However, there’s a simple little trick that can prevent this – using cat litter.”
Cheap cat litter
Cat litter is a relatively cheap product, with B&M currently selling a Snowflake Wood Based five-litre bag for £2.49.
“Cat litter, particularly the clay-based type, is designed to absorb moisture, making it the perfect material for reducing humidity inside your car,” SMG continued.
“By filling a cotton sock with the litter, taping it shut, and placing it on your dashboard, you create a natural dehumidifier that stops condensation from forming on the windows.
“This trick is especially useful in autumn and winter when fogged windows are more common.”
As the experts explained, fogged windows are due to the significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car, with a thin layer of moisture forming on the windscreen.
Dangerous driving
The warm, humid air inside the vehicle hits the cool glass, causing steam and making it tough for drivers to see through the windscreen, they said.
Attempting to drive in such conditions is not only frustrating – it can also be incredibly dangerous.
As most UK drivers will be aware, it is against the law to drive with a windscreen that blocks your view of the road.
The Highway Code states that windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to ensure that drivers have a clear view of the road ahead.
Not adhering to this can lead to fines, which could be as high as £1,000, along with three penalty points on a driving licence.
Using cat litter in a sock to clear misty windows is an idea that has been gaining traction over the years.
In a 2022 Facebook post on the Homemaking Tips group entitled Using Up Single Socks That Have Lost Their Mates?, one member replied: “I put kitty litter in some socks and put it in the vehicles in the wintertime.
“Got clear windows at all time.
“No fog or frost.”
The post garnered, responses likes and shocked-face emojis, with one member replying: “What? Please explain!!”
Another replied: “Wow! Thank you for that information!”
A third simply said: “Love it.”
A fourth member posted: “My hubby was on call 24/7 ..365 days a year at his job with little notice. It worked fantastic for him.”
