A4 S-Line: Steaming Up in Cold Weather

[MaxNg]

My A4 Avant (vintage 07) is very prone to steaming up when the outside temperature is <4 degrees or so. This may be made worse by the frequent presence of a heavy-breathing Labrador in the back.! However, even when travelling "dog-less", the rear windows in particular mist up. The front screen usually keeps clear. I've tried all combinations of heating/air controls but without success.

Any thoughts?

[cathalferris]

All aircon systems in cars stop drying the air at an ambient temperature of about 3 or 4 degrees. This is to prevent ice forming on the condensor and protecting the system from any resulting damage.
If the outside temperature is low and you've selected the windscreen demist, the climate control will maximise the heat and the airflow, but will not utilise the aircon system, meaning it's back to the old days of waiting for the air to heat up enough to dry the condensation.

Sounds like your dog is just too damp for the car to make this easy!

[MaxNg]

Many thanks for the response

I solved the problem by trading the A4 for an E-class 220 Merc estate. It is a bit of a barge to drive compared with the Audi, but the a/c, heating, satnav, and all the other toys are in a different - and better - league. it is also very much more roomy, so dog can travel "business class!"

I don't think it will be long before I'm driving another Audi though!

Best regards,

Frank