You get your tires rotated, you wash your car and fill it up with gas, you’re ready to go. But there’s one more step you need to take to make sure your drive is a safe one. You need to carefully wash your windshield. Why bother, you ask? Let’s take a look at the reasons why a clean windshield is so important.
Visibility
This one’s a no-brainer. Obviously, if you can’t see out of your window, you can’t drive safely. Cracks, smears, and other kinds of debris can be distracting and create visibility issues. And we’re not talking just about everyday dirty windows. If you don’t take the time to clear ice and snow from all of your windows, you’re impairing your ability to see clearly while driving.
Windshield Safety
Dirt and debris can build up and cause damage to the windshield, leading to cracks that can then spread across the entire surface. Cleaning your windshield often will help it last longer.
Windshield Wiper Longevity
Keeping your windshield clean will help ensure that your wiper blades work effectively during bad weather. A dirty surface may even cause your wiper blades to scratch your glass, leading to further damage. If your wipers are already worn out, go ahead and change them now.
It Looks Good!
No car is truly clean unless the windows are clean. And let’s face it, driving through town in a clean car feels good!
How to Keep Your Windshield Crystal Clear
To keep your windshield looking its best, here’s what we recommend.
Wash Your Windshield
It may seem as simple as just stopping by a gas station and using the squeegee and water provided there, and in a pinch, it may be your only option. But there are far more effective ways to ensure that your windshield is as clean as it can be
Microfiber Cloth
While it is a little more expensive than regular cotton or paper towels, microfiber cloths are the best tools to use to wipe your windshield glass. Use a damp cloth to wipe in one direction, and then dry the area with a dry cloth. Microfiber is designed not to leave streaks, so your car will look great when you’re all done.
Good Cleaner
Your best bet is to stick with a good, pre-made Auto Glass Cleaner. You’ll find a selection at any big box store like Walmart or Target, or at an auto parts store, like AutoZone or O’Reillys. Some household cleaners, especially ammonia-based cleaners, can damage plastics and other parts of your car, like your wipers or dash. Some people opt to make their own cleaner, but if you go that route, spend some time researching the best ingredients to use for auto glass purposes.
Squeegee
If you really want to up your game, invest in a good squeegee. You don’t want to use an old, dried out squeegee, so make sure it’s in good shape every time you use it. Start from the top of the windshield and pull the squeegee from side to side, always in the same direction. Make sure that when you have covered the main area, you then take care of the edges. When you are finished, use a dry towel to wipe the glass dry. It may take practice, but you can learn how to use the squeegee and have a windshield with no smears, spots, or streaks.
Remove Stickers
You may not even realize how many stickers are on your car. Inspection stickers, toll tags, statement stickers, band stickers, locations you’ve been. They can add up. Over time, they may wear out and start looking ragged, they may affect visibility, or maybe you just decide you no longer want them on your car. Here’s an easy way to remove them.
Soak the sticker with window cleaner or use Goo Gone. Let it sit. Then grab a new razor blade and slowly lift the sticker, pushing the blade into the sticker at an angle. Be gentle using the razor blade. If you’re not careful, you can easily leave a mark.
Don’t Forget the Inside
If the outside of your windshield sparkles, but the view from inside is still hazy, you need to clean the inside of the windshield. Dust and grime build up slowly over time, creating a film on the inside of the windshield. And if the driver smokes in the car regularly, there will definitely be a haze.
You can use the same tools inside as you do outside. The squeegee might not fit, but you can use a microfiber cloth and auto glass cleaner. Again, make sure you don’t have any streaks that will affect visibility.
Most people don’t realize how important their vehicle glass is. At Advanced Auto Glass, we understand how much you depend on your car’s safety to protect yourself and your family. For almost three decades, we have helped our Texas clients with their auto glass needs. We offer a lifetime warranty on windshield replacements and a one-year warranty on moving glass, so you can trust our products and our work. If you are in the area of Fort Worth or Weatherford, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have a problem with your home or auto glass. We can help you look at your options so you can decide what will work best for you. Reach us online or by phone at 817-595-3200.
