2016 z4 condensation

[Zforbes]

Ford Anglia, Red Sprite, a few MG midgets, MGB Roadster and yellow Ford

So you agree with me then

Using the Aircon to quickly demist works but turning this off creates the moisture that is not evaporated back into the cabin.

[RobbiZ4]

It should then drain away to ground via the drain tube/ pipe when enough water is produced.

Correct.

[Zforbes]

Using the Aircon to demist generally creates excess moisture,

Sorry but this is incorrect.
The a/c will de-humidify, as long as the drain from the evaporator is not blocked and the water can get away.

Moisture vapour held in the air of the car condenses on the evaporator coil with the a/c running (sited next to the heater coil/ matrix in the fan housing).
It should then drain away to ground via the drain tube/ pipe when enough water is produced.
The only time it can be a problem is when the a/c is turned off with the evaporator covered in condensation. The evaporator will then warm and the fan will blow back the moisture as a vapour into the cabin. Then it will condense back into water within the car wherever the dew points are, generally windscreen and windows.

The secret is to NEVER switch off the a/c whilst the fan is operating if using for demisting. Keep the a/c on until you switch off the car/ blower fan. If you do all you will do is fire the moisture back all in one go, so seemingly creating more moisture.

If there is excess moisture inside the car either you have a leak coming from outside, or the a/c is draining water back into the cabin.

Sorry, wrong post, quoted

Ford Anglia, Red Sprite, a few MG midgets, MGB Roadster and yellow Ford

So you agree with me then

Using the Aircon to quickly demist works but turning this off creates the moisture that is not evaporated back into the cabin.

[Jasonn]

I have found that even leaving one of the windows open (even a tiny bit) after rain can let a bit of water from the gutter at the junction where the roof folds. I never noticed it until i drove off after a rainstorm and thought the roof was dry-ish. I was surprised how much got in.

I also had condensation from an umbrella which was tucked behind the seat.

I hope you've got a similar simple solution

[ronk]

I had a heated screen in my Discovery and it was a joy in the frosty mornings!

Land Rover got the Heated Screen and Ford got Hill Decent out of the deal.

[MikeyH]

I think Aston Martins had then when they were owned by Ford.

[Marcoose]

The cabin is often foggy when wifey is in the car. I don’t complain, though.

[SwissTone]

Either the Patent date run out or Ford allowed others to use the tech, VW group use this tech on certain vehicles in their family range.

[flybobbie]

Yes what's with stupid design, slightest rain, crack open drivers window on water pours onto window switches.
I could never understand having window switches in the arm rest.
Far more convenient having buttons on the centre near gear lever.

[Jasonn]

Yep the tickle stopped all the window electrics working (mirrors too).

I ended up inside the fuse box looking to see if anything had blown (hadn't but it was a crap way to spend 45 minutes doing weird yoga) reached the conclusion that the door card would have to come off so ordered clips and trim tools as well as pricing up a new switch - £185)!

When the tools and clips turned up it was dry and sunny and everything worked... Still now I've got new trim tools and I've learned not to open the window after rain until I've stopped on an incline.

It's cheaper for manufacturers to use the centre console too as the complexity of the wiring is reduced, less risk of mechanical damage (no flexing at the hinge) and no left/right hand drive options for the different markets... Still we haven't got degrees in marketing, we're just enthusiasts who like to tinker with our cars

[craigdm]

I would never even consider turning off the A/C whatever the weather.

The system is more reliable if it's constantly on. Turning it off will just lead to maintenance and repair issues.

[Jasonn]

I think it's just luck of the draw, my wife keeps the aircon on all the time in her cars, the RAV4 lasted 18 years and no top up, the x3 has been topped up twice and a new compressor.

I rarely used the a/c in my MGZT, no problems in 60k miles (before the engine genaded itself) and the Zed only gets used for 10 minutes per drive just to keep it circulating

[Pondrew]

The system is more reliable if it's constantly on. Turning it off will just lead to maintenance and repair issues.

That's not correct either. Not using a mechanical system is not going to cause it to break.

The ONLY problem that can occur from lack of use of a car a/c system is refrigerant leaking from the neoprene seal(s) on the drive shaft of the compressor. They require lubricating to maintain the seal. They are lubricated when the compressor is operating. Lack of use, generally considered a month or more, the seals will dry out and leak.
They can reseal once lubricated, hence why so many people have their a/c 're-gassed' or 'topped up' without finding any leaks.

The a/c system in a car needs no maintenance, there are no serviceable parts (despite many garages offering the service). The system is sealed so will never need refrigerant adding unless it has leaked from somewhere.

[MikeyH]

Pondrew, It never ceases to honestly amaze me how much you know about so many things

[ronk]

In my 335 the air con is never switched off and the system in the Z is always on when the roof is on.

It’s maybe not the most fuel effective way but misting windows have never bothered me and touch wood nor have dried / leaking seals (Thats probably the kiss o death)