Condensation / front windscreen
Discussion
Went to a dealer to inspect a (brand new) A110 GTS I m considering buying
Car was produced OCT 25 and is sat at dealer's since mid-November
So when I went for the inspection, the car was waiting for me outside the showroom, just being washed
I asked why it had to be washed/polised and was told that it had to be outside for some time (which I believe, as that dealership was all packed inside - many other brands e.g. Dacia). Although it didn't quite made sense why they would leave an 80K Alpine outside and have a Dacia SUV inside the showroom, but that's just me
During the inspection, I noticed condensation at the front windscreen, specifically within the small area where the VIN is located
That small area had droplets forming inside
Now, I have seen condensation on a car before and it could happen just about anywhere (but usual for headlights etc), but for a brand new 80K car it kind of strike me bad. And it's not like starting on the right foot with a car having to remove the windscreen, re-align the seals etc etc - not something I would be eager doing on a brand new car
What I want to ask here is - is that quirk common to the A110 in general?
Do you guys who own the car had such condensation issues before (other than the rear windscreen fogging up occasionally, which I ve already heard is 'common')
And a bonus question - do you guys know if the fuel pump failure (which affected many earlier 2023? cars), fixed now?
Car was produced OCT 25 and is sat at dealer's since mid-November
So when I went for the inspection, the car was waiting for me outside the showroom, just being washed
I asked why it had to be washed/polised and was told that it had to be outside for some time (which I believe, as that dealership was all packed inside - many other brands e.g. Dacia). Although it didn't quite made sense why they would leave an 80K Alpine outside and have a Dacia SUV inside the showroom, but that's just me
During the inspection, I noticed condensation at the front windscreen, specifically within the small area where the VIN is located
That small area had droplets forming inside
Now, I have seen condensation on a car before and it could happen just about anywhere (but usual for headlights etc), but for a brand new 80K car it kind of strike me bad. And it's not like starting on the right foot with a car having to remove the windscreen, re-align the seals etc etc - not something I would be eager doing on a brand new car
What I want to ask here is - is that quirk common to the A110 in general?
Do you guys who own the car had such condensation issues before (other than the rear windscreen fogging up occasionally, which I ve already heard is 'common')
And a bonus question - do you guys know if the fuel pump failure (which affected many earlier 2023? cars), fixed now?
I really wanted a GTS with the aero pack so bad but had to stay with my GT. I hope you enjoyed the GTS. After committing to buy mine I asked the dealer to keep the car inside and they did it so - at least it was inside on the day of delivery.
When it comes to condensation, I'd say it happens after washing the car. No matter how strong is the pressure some drops are going into the area between the sealing and the door's outer edge. I swipe those drops after washing the car. I tend to believe it was the same thing in your case. Probably they forgot to swipe those drops and they caused condensation or appeared so.
Fuel pump issue is fixed by re-calling the cars with that issue. Newer cars are good. No need to worry about it.
When it comes to condensation, I'd say it happens after washing the car. No matter how strong is the pressure some drops are going into the area between the sealing and the door's outer edge. I swipe those drops after washing the car. I tend to believe it was the same thing in your case. Probably they forgot to swipe those drops and they caused condensation or appeared so.
Fuel pump issue is fixed by re-calling the cars with that issue. Newer cars are good. No need to worry about it.
I find that frameless door windows aren t great at sealing so there will be some moisture or humid air that gets past. Cars aren t hermetically sealed so if it has been outside in humid conditions moisture will make its way into the cabin, likewise the engine bay which is effectively open to the elements.
I ve only had my alpine a couple of weeks but it does get a little bit of condensation on the inside of the windscreen after a damp day followed by cold conditions, but nothing that is of concern, just a symptom of the atmospheric conditions.
I ve only had my alpine a couple of weeks but it does get a little bit of condensation on the inside of the windscreen after a damp day followed by cold conditions, but nothing that is of concern, just a symptom of the atmospheric conditions.
Edited by Naturally_aspirated on Sunday 8th March 07:07
I haven’t looked specifically there to say if there has been condensation.
The windscreen is glued in place around the outer edge so where the vin is, is inside the cabin and not sealed off from the rest of the cabin other than some foam. I’m pretty sure the condensation you saw is just where condensation has formed at the lowest point.
You could ask them if the windscreen is original, check it has an alpine logo on it. It could be it has been replaced and potentially not sealed fully but this is unlikely as they’re pretty difficult to mess up these days.
The windscreen is glued in place around the outer edge so where the vin is, is inside the cabin and not sealed off from the rest of the cabin other than some foam. I’m pretty sure the condensation you saw is just where condensation has formed at the lowest point.
You could ask them if the windscreen is original, check it has an alpine logo on it. It could be it has been replaced and potentially not sealed fully but this is unlikely as they’re pretty difficult to mess up these days.
This wouldn't worry me at all.
I regularly drive my Alpine to work, leave it parked in the sun, if the temperature drops significantly before I drive home the inside of the windscreen is often wet from condensation, my other cars do the same.
Also happens after washing.
I'm no scientist but have always assumed it was something to do with the change in temperature?
I regularly drive my Alpine to work, leave it parked in the sun, if the temperature drops significantly before I drive home the inside of the windscreen is often wet from condensation, my other cars do the same.
Also happens after washing.
I'm no scientist but have always assumed it was something to do with the change in temperature?
extinct said:
I didn't mean generic windscreen condensation
Only the area where the VIN is located, here is what I meant:
Droplets were forming only within that tiny reclangle area
Have you seen this before?
It would have been all over the windscreen and has now cleared. The VIN notch area will take a bit longer. It suggests the car was cleaned and the valeter may have blasted the footwells, or replaced the mats when they were still damp. Only the area where the VIN is located, here is what I meant:
Droplets were forming only within that tiny reclangle area
Have you seen this before?
Your fear is a leaky windscreen; this cannot be cited until you see condensation again, or water dripping from higher up.
It's a car I m considering to buy
I don't know what his washing process was, but for sure had been formed due to temp difference
I m pretty certain the windscreen hasn't been changed. Car is new. Even if it was changed (would be OEM), there's no way for me to establish that
Reputable dealer, wouldn't risk to put on aftermarket part
I don't know what his washing process was, but for sure had been formed due to temp difference
I m pretty certain the windscreen hasn't been changed. Car is new. Even if it was changed (would be OEM), there's no way for me to establish that
Reputable dealer, wouldn't risk to put on aftermarket part
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