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Car is SORN'd and has condensation on inside windscreen

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Old Jan 22nd, 2021, 13:09   #1
XCF
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Default Car is SORN'd and has condensation on inside windscreen

Hi,

As per subject - my car is currently not being used (untaxed) and as such is parked up outside, and is not being started/ driven at all.

I have noticed that there is quite a lot of condensation on the inside of the windscreen. No other windows have any condensation.

I don't have a sunroof, and the carpets are all dry. The weather has been cold recently with some snow and regular overnight frosts and generally wet.

Is the condensation to expected due to the lack of use and local weather? or indication of something else that I should check?

And if just to be expected is there anything I should / could do to mitigate - short of wiping up with a cloth regularly ?


Thanks
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Old Jan 22nd, 2021, 13:26   #2
827Roverman
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XCF View Post
Hi,

As per subject - my car is currently not being used (untaxed) and as such is parked up outside, and is not being started/ driven at all.

I have noticed that there is quite a lot of condensation on the inside of the windscreen. No other windows have any condensation.

I don't have a sunroof, and the carpets are all dry. The weather has been cold recently with some snow and regular overnight frosts and generally wet.

Is the condensation to expected due to the lack of use and local weather? or indication of something else that I should check?

And if just to be expected is there anything I should / could do to mitigate - short of wiping up with a cloth regularly ?


Thanks
Your never going to stop condensation this time of year, but you can help, make sure all your air vents are closed and the heater settings are closed, then traet yourself to some PINGI condensation pads (ebay) I have six of them, two on the dash top, one on rear parcel shelf, the other three I keep on a radiator in the house to dry out then swop them over every three days, for me they work a treat, David.
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Old Jan 22nd, 2021, 13:31   #3
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Not unusual. If the air in the car has warmed by the sun during the day it can hold more moisture than cold air. When the outside temperature drops, it condenses on cold surfaces, and the windscreen is the largest area that cools quickly.

Setting the heater or aircon to recirculate and closing all the interior vents can help. If it's still a problem you can buy bags containing dessicant crystals that you can leave on the dashboard and heat in the oven or microwave to "recharge" them (dry the crystals out for reuse) periodically.

Edit: @827Roverman beat me to it!
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Old Jan 22nd, 2021, 14:05   #4
XCF
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Great👍🏻

Thanks both for the same suggestions. I will check the heater controls now and look into the condensation pads.
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Old Jan 22nd, 2021, 14:59   #5
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You say that the carpets are dry but you might be suprised if you lift them in the front footwells. There is a an amazing depth of foam which can hold water without the carpets feeling wet. I'd check them.
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Old Jan 22nd, 2021, 18:44   #6
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You say that the carpets are dry but you might be suprised if you lift them in the front footwells. There is a an amazing depth of foam which can hold water without the carpets feeling wet. I'd check them.
^^^^ That - about 6 inches of foam.

If the car is SORN but legally parked off the highway you can still start it and run the engine to temp and heat the cabin.

Desiccant pads are the way though, some of them you can dry out again in the oven/microwave. Make sure there is nothing in the car like clothing, coats etc.
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Old Jan 22nd, 2021, 18:48   #7
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Hi, my 03 XC90 is usually very dry despite sunroof but this morning, and after at least a week of inactivity, was full of condensation on the inside.

I took it for a short drive to clear condensation with windows open and all fine. If the vehicle is SORN, make sure you start occasionally to keep battery happy as, if it starts to run down, you will have lots of issues.

Incidentally there are benefits of being an old bu**er in that my journey was to have my jab!

Stay safe

John l
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Old Jan 23rd, 2021, 19:02   #8
XCF
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Just to update ...I closed the vents yesterday and after another very cold night and heavy frost this morning there was only a little condensation (more a residual mist, rather than full on droplets like yesterday.

So hopefully closing the vents has helped.

I also checked under the front carpets and the floor was dry.

Thanks again for the tips.
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Old Jan 24th, 2021, 11:28   #9
SwissXC90
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On the next low humidity day, start the engine, open all doors and windows, and let the engine warm up and the car air out. This really helps with any residual condensation.

But you must do it on a clear sunny day when humidity is low...
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Old Jan 24th, 2021, 13:09   #10
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buy a large bag of silica gel cat litter put some in a large plastic box this will absorb most of the moisture in the car put a lid on the box if you are going to drive
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