Drivers have praised a simple £10 tool which promises to clear condensation from car windows in a matter of minutes. As temperatures dip with cold weather setting in, motorists are likely to face the prospect of steamed-up glass windows and windscreens.
Condensation forms when the warm air inside the car meets the cold glass, steaming up and creating a thin layer of mist. This will prevent drivers from seeing the road clearly, creating a major safety hazard this Autumn and Winter.
Experts at Select Car Leasing previously said: "A vehicle dehumidifier bag typically contains silica gel beads that actively work to absorb moisture from the air, preventing it from forming as condensation.
"You can buy them online for less than £10 before and you can place them on your dash when the vehicle is parked. You can also make one yourself, with some proactive motorists filling a cotton sock with cat litter, which works in the same way as a bought bag."
Halfords is just one retailer that sells reusable car dehumidifier bags for less than £10. The product is fitted with approximately 350g of environmentally-friendly Silica Gel that can absorb up to 40% of its weight in water.
Halfords explained: "Helps prevent in-car condensation on your windscreen or even nearby building windows clear of moisture buildup becoming a nuisance and causing rust, mildew or any musty smells. Easily dried on a radiator, in an airing cupboard or in a microwave.
"Can be continuously reused ensuring great value for money. A heat sensitive indicator will change from pink (hot) to blue (cold) to indicate when it needs to be recharged back in a microwave. Microwaveable at 600W or less for no longer than 6 minutes."
Meanwhile, Amazon sells a reusable Pingi Dehumidifier product which ca be fitted inside a car or at home for just £8.99. The online retail giant claims the item will "eliminate excess moisture" and ensure road users start their daily commute with a clear windscreen. The product has been praised by consumers, securing a 4.1 rating after more than 30,000 reviews.
One customer explained: "My car is quite old and is always full on water/damp on the inside window.. This is a game changer! It's worked wonders for now, I hope it will continue to seep up all the moisture when it gets really cold!"
Another added: "My small works van has an annoying habit of getting steamed up windows each morning, and purchased this to see if it would make any difference.
"I was actually really surprised that there was a noticeable difference straight away and really pleased with it that it's keeping the moisture level in my van pretty well maintained."
However, some customers were less than impressed with their dehumidifier bag with several buyers claiming that a lack of velcro meant it was a struggle to keep the pouch in place.