Alex Robbins is contributing editor at Telegraph Cars where, as well as responding to readers’ queries, he also contributes reviews of new and used cars, together with articles on buying and selling. 

His knowledge of the used car market informs his many buying guides relating to the best buys in particular sectors, with an emphasis on value for money.  Every week he will answer your questions on buying and selling, as well as solving your car problems, whether consumer or mechanical.

Do you have a motoring dilemma you’d like our expert to solve?  For consumer and used car advice, or car faults, email CarsAdvice@telegraph.co.uk and include your subscriber number. This week’s question…

Dear Alex,

I have owned my Kia Ceed for eight years from new. I like it, but it mists up badly; water covers the inside of the windscreen, especially on days when it is wet outside. In winter, when the weather is cold, this then turns to ice, and takes some time to clear as I sit, engine running, waiting to drive off. I have brought this to the attention of my Kia dealer, from whom I bought the car, several times, but no one working there can explain why this happens. Do you have any ideas? 

– DLJ

Dear DLJ,

At first I was surprised when you said that the staff at your dealer didn’t know the cause of the problem, because this sort of thing is usually the result of water leaking into the car, either from outside through a faulty seal, or from the heater matrix. 

However, when I looked into it, it does seem that Ceeds of this age seem to suffer inordinately with the sort of misting you describe, even if they aren’t leaking. I hadn’t heard of it until now, so it’s a new one on me, but there we go. 

As yet, I haven’t found a definitive solution, but one owner did suggest it could be a result of the Ceed’s large, deep windscreen, which radiates heat more quickly and thus generates more condensation. 

Nevertheless, I also think it’s a good idea to first check your carpets for dampness, especially in the boot and around the base of the centre console, where the heater matrix is located, in case there’s a leak somewhere. Other things you can try include changing your pollen filter – as this gets older and more gunked up,  it’ll harbour damp more easily, which then gets blown into the car each time you use the fan.. 

If none of that works, to help mitigate the problem I’d suggest running your car with the air-conditioning turned on at all times, even in the winter. Air-con systems dry the air, which means there’ll be less moisture left in it when you leave the car. It’s a good habit to get into, even when it’s cold outside, because it’ll also keep your windows clearer while you’re driving. 

You can also try buying a crystal dehumidifier, and placing it somewhere discreet – for example, in one of the rear door pockets. You’ll need to empty it of water every few months, but it should help to keep the moisture to a minimum. 

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