A new climate control technology will soon eliminate manual defogging in many late model automobiles. The new automatic defrost/anti-fogging system detects cabin humidity and the temperature outside the vehicle then automatically adjusts the climate controls. This prevents fog and dew from forming on the windshields. Usually in current models, drivers will have to fumble with the A/C system and the defrost buttons. With the automatic climate control, drivers will not have to take their attention off the road to adjust the controls, thus making driving safer.

Some newer climate control systems now also offer fuel-saving mode which keeps the humidity higher when it detects no risk of fog. However, the automatic defogger is limited only for the windshield and side windows, not the rear glass. Also, the defogger won’t prevent dew and fog to accumulate in vehicles that are parked outside overnight. Current and upcoming vehicles offering this new technology, generally as a standard feature, include the 2007 Acura MDX; Volvo S80; Audi A8, S8; BMW 3,5,6. Meanwhile, other automakers offer alternative fog reducing features such as heated washer fluid and outside mirrors.

Innovations like these are always welcome. However, sometimes they are not offered as standard equipment in cheaper car models. Usually, they will come as an optional package requiring the car buyer to shell out a few hundred dollars extra.