During winter, frost forms on the inside of car windows because of the temperature gap between the cabin and the outside air. This was noted by Rossiyskaya Gazeta, quoting Alexey Ruzanov, who serves as the technical director of the Fit Service car service network. Ruzanov explained that the frost happens when the warm, moist air inside the car meets the cold glass. If snow is tracked into the vehicle and left on the floor or mats, it heats up and evaporates, producing humidity that fogs the windows. When the car is parked after a drive, the engine cools and the leftover moisture inside freezes, turning into ice on the glass. This sequence makes it easy to misinterpret the window as simply foggy, but it is really a frost issue caused by the difference in temperatures inside and outside the cabin. In some cases, simply leaving the car after a trip can trap moisture inside, which then freezes as soon as the vehicle sits idle in the cold. A well-ventilated cabin with a fresh air exchange helps prevent this buildup and keeps windows clear. In cold climates, it is common for moisture to cling to cold glass and then freeze once temperatures drop, leading to stubborn ice on the interior surfaces. The overall effect is a frosty window that reduces visibility and can feel like the car is enveloped in a chilly fog. This is why drivers are advised to take preemptive steps to control humidity before parking for extended periods. The practical takeaway is straightforward: keep the interior as dry as possible and ensure air flows freely through the cabin to minimize interior condensation.
Ruzanov noted that frost can be avoided by keeping snow from entering the car near the windows. Preventing moisture from seeping into the cabin is key. It is important to remove snow from footwear before entering and to wipe up any damp areas inside the vehicle. Additionally, when the doors or windows stay closed after a drive, the trapped humidity tends to condense on the glass and then freeze. He also emphasized removing melted water from floor mats and ensuring that the cabin air is circulated by turning on the fan and, if needed, using the air conditioning to dehumidify. Replacing the cabin filter with a fresh one can further improve air quality and reduce lingering moisture inside the car. Regular maintenance that keeps the ventilation system in good condition is a practical safeguard against interior condensation and window icing in cold weather.
Experts also point out that extremely cold weather can stress a vehicle’s systems. Low temperatures affect several components, and unpredictable starts are often linked to the battery or the fuel system. In some cases, ignition problems occur when the battery loses its ability to hold a charge or when fuel lines gel or become less efficient in the cold. A well-tuned vehicle with a healthy battery and properly treated fuel system is less prone to starting issues when harsher frosts hit. This is why drivers are advised to have the battery checked, especially in communities that regularly experience subzero temperatures, and to ensure fuel lines and filters are in good condition for reliable cold-start performance. The cold season also tends to see more service calls because the car owner’s routine maintenance might slip or because the extreme conditions reveal weaknesses in older components. With a thorough winter readiness check, potential failures can be caught early and addressed before they leave a driver stranded.
Across regions that experience severe frost, the frequency of service requests tends to rise as temperatures plummet. In such conditions, technicians often see a spike in inquiries related to starting difficulties, battery health, and fuel system performance. Drivers who prepare ahead by inspecting batteries, replacing worn parts, and ensuring the heating and ventilation systems function properly can minimize disruptions. Maintaining clear windows and a dry interior remains a simple, effective habit that supports safe driving in winter. It is prudent to stay alert to the temperature dynamics outside and the humidity inside the vehicle, and to address any warning signs early rather than waiting for a breakdown to occur. This proactive approach helps keep a car reliable through the chilliest days and reduces the need for urgent roadside assistance during peak frost periods.