Why does the windscreen on the Mk 5 take so long to clear?

[Golfgirl]

Well, it's not just on Mk 5's.  I had the same problem on my Mk 4 too.  It's not a new problem, I've always had it but it's starting to really annoy me now.  There was a hard frost this morning, so I started the car up whilst I scraped all the windows.  Turned the heated mirrors on, whacked the temp up to HI and set the blower on full speed on the windscreen.  When I'd finished I got into the car and the windscreen was misted up.  I turned off the blower and pressed the windscreen button (the one above the rear screen demister) and again, it didn't clear meaning I had to get my chamois sponge and wipe it so I could see where I was going. 

Why doesn't the screen clear? I look an idiot when I meet my neighbour on the drive and his Ford clears almost instantly.  When I got in this afternoon I had to clean the inside of the windscreen as it was all smeary from where I'd wiped it this morning, but it just doesn't seem to clear with the blower OR the heated screen button.

It's really peeing me off now.  Is there anything I am doing wrong? Any tips on how to get it to clear?  I've sat there for 10 mins in the past and all it does is clear the very bottom of the screen and that's all.
 

[JPC]

if there is any muck on there and if its not really clean, it will mist up a lot easier than a clean window.

that doesnt solve your problem though.

try cleaning it with some good alcohol based glass cleaner and see if its any easier?

[Golfgirl]

It's not dirty, I clean the inside fairly regularly.  I use Windolene on it but surely that can't be why it doesn't clear?  I have also used Autoglym Fast Glass on it before and it's been the same.

[Top Cat]

Do you put the air-con on when you put the blowers on. this is recommended for clearing a bit quicker. 

[gtineal]

have you checked the pollen filter ? read somwhere that if that is dirty it dosent help. worth a try

[Gene Hunt]

Mine is the same takes ages,espically after it's stood out after a night shift (garaged at home). I keep the inside of the screen clean as well.

[Rich]

Its the air-con golfgirl for definite...

Keep it on... all the time if possible.

As soon as i turned it off, my windows misted up one dull evening & on one morning like yourself ( i just keep it on the whole time now )


This solve your problem

[Truckie]

Dont shoot me but...Dont think Golfs have heated screens, the window button only directs air towards the window only. I have also heard the a/c does not operate when its below 5 degrees, although the light remains lit  
Also when your car is cold the air from the blower is cold, thus meaning it takes longer for the screen to clear anyway.
 

[ub7rm]

Dont shoot me but...Dont think Golfs have heated screens, the window button only directs air towards the window only. I have also heard the a/c does not operate when its below 5 degrees, although the light remains lit  
Also when your car is cold the air from the blower is cold, thus meaning it takes longer for the screen to clear anyway.
 

What he said.

The windscreen button turns on the a/c and the blowers on full pelt aimed at the windscreen, however when its 5 deg or below the a/c doesn't come on in order to protect itself.

If you had your a/c on the night before, assuming it was warm enough that it works, this only adds to the problem as all the moisture from the condensor is now being blown at your screen.

If you have to use the a/c, just before you get home turn it off, the heat on high and crack open the window to let the moisture out.

Otherwise as said check the pollen filter.  Made a huge difference to me when I changed it, the screen now never steams up unless I've gotten into the car sodden.

[stealthwolf]

It's rather disappointing about the windscreen. My 1999 ford fiesta had a heated windscreen and would demist rather more quickly than it does on the golf. If your car is parked in a safe area, use a piece of cardboard over the windscreen held in position by the wipers in the service position.

[DanoGTI]

My mk5 clears pretty quickly, but I chuck the aircon on... and "whoosh!" it's clear in about 20 seconds.......

Probably teaching "granny to suck eggs"... but it's this button (along with the heated wing-mirrors - put the knob in the 12 o'clock position)




Like i said, not preaching to converted, but... well, you know what I mean - trying to be helpful!  

Dan

[xxx_mojo_xxx]

Depending on the age and condition of your car...the aircon may need re-pressurising...  I know if that isn't up to scratch it can cause a similar issue.

[winrya]

Aircon isn't relevant on frosty mornings though as the compressor doesn't engage below 3.5 deg c to protect it. Only issues I've ever had with mine misting up is after a few months where I haven't cleaned the inside of the screen

[DanoGTI]

True enough on COLD, but surely on heat settings (25 degrees upwards) it works.......

[Hurdy]

It's not dirty, I clean the inside fairly regularly.  I use Wendolene on it but surely that can't be why it doesn't clear?  I have also used Autoglym Fast Glass on it before and it's been the same.

Does Wallace know that