Finding your windows fogged up on a warm Florida morning—or struggling to clear moisture off the inside of your windshield—can be frustrating and even dangerous. Excessive interior condensation isn’t just an annoyance; it’s often a sign that something in your vehicle needs attention. At Empire Auto Care, we help drivers in Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Bay uncover the cause of unwanted moisture and restore clear visibility. Here are the most common reasons condensation builds up inside your car.
High Humidity and Temperature Changes
Florida is known for its humid climate, and sudden temperature shifts can cause moisture inside your car to condense on cool glass surfaces. If you frequently enter the vehicle with damp clothing, wet shoes, or beach gear, that moisture has nowhere to escape—leading to foggy windows.
Air Conditioning or Ventilation Problems
Your car’s ventilation system is designed to remove moisture from the cabin air. If the AC system isn’t cooling effectively or if the air recirculation mode is left on too often, humidity can build up inside. A failing AC compressor, clogged evaporator, or restricted cabin air filter can all prevent proper moisture removal.
Leaking Door or Window Seals
Worn or damaged weather stripping around doors, windows, or the trunk can allow rainwater or humidity to seep into the cabin. Even small leaks can cause significant condensation once the interior air becomes saturated. Florida’s heat and sun exposure can accelerate seal deterioration, making regular inspections important.
Clogged Sunroof or AC Drain
Many vehicles have drainage tubes for sunroofs or the air conditioner. When these drains clog with debris, water can collect inside the car, pool in the floorboards, or soak the carpet. This trapped moisture evaporates into the cabin and condenses on the windows, especially in the mornings.
Wet Carpets or Interior Surfaces
Moisture trapped inside the cabin—from spills, wet clothes, beach towels, or leaks—can cause persistent condensation. Damp floor mats, especially after a heavy rainstorm, can create a humid interior environment that fogs windows repeatedly.
Heater Core Problems
A leaking heater core releases warm, moisture-heavy air into the cabin, often accompanied by a sweet smell or oily film on the windshield. This is one of the more serious causes of condensation and should be addressed immediately to prevent engine cooling issues and interior damage.
Final Thoughts
Excessive condensation inside your car is a sign that moisture is entering—or staying in—your vehicle when it shouldn’t. Whether it’s a ventilation issue, a leak, a clogged drain, or a failing heater core, identifying the cause early keeps your interior dry and your visibility clear. At Empire Auto Care in Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Bay, FL, our technicians can pinpoint the issue and provide effective solutions to keep your cabin comfortable and fog-free. If your windows keep fogging up, let us help you get to the root of the problem.
