Research shows that 90 percent of all driving decisions are based on vision alone, so it's important to have good wiper blades, a windshield washer system in proper working order and a good supply of solvent.
Here are some tips and techniques for keeping your vehicle's windshield, mirrors and windows clean.
Pay attention to wiper blades
Unfortunately, many drivers don't think about their windshield wiper blades until the rain starts coming down, or their vision is compromised by road dirt and dust.
Be prepared for whatever the road has in store for your windshield by regularly checking your wiper blades. The rubber can wear out, lose its flexibility and become rigid, develop chips and change shape. When that happens you'll get streaks on the windshield which obscure and blur vision. Wipers can also become bent and misaligned. That can cause an inadequate wipe over the windshield as well as an annoying screeching noise.
Over time, wipers build up a thin layer of grime, especially after a dry spell, which keeps the rubber blade from contacting the windshield. Then, when you're ready to use them you find that instead of clearing the glass, your wipers are smearing it, decreasing visibility.
To avoid this and improve wiper performance, keep the blades clean by wiping the length of them with a paper towel, cloth or sponge moistened with water, rubbing alcohol, baking soda or auto glass cleaner.
Solutions for glass
There are a variety of solutions for cleaning windshields and windows. Even if you run out of a commercial cleaner, you may find that you have the ingredients to make glass sparkle right in your cab or in your pantry at home.
- Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with a quart of warm water. Apply with a dryer sheet wrapped around a sponge.
- Mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water and use a spray bottle to apply, then wipe the glass dry with newspaper. The newsprint ink works as a polishing agent.
- If you prefer to use a ready-made glass cleaner, use one that is formulated specifically for vehicle glass. Ordinary household glass cleaners typically leave streaky residues. Apply with a soft cloth or towel.
For baked-on splotches like bug splatter, tree sap, bird droppings or other road substances, you may need a different approach.
- Wet a dryer sheet and wipe away.
- Pour on seltzer water, vinegar, soda or cooking oil to loosen, then wipe away with a soft cloth. Or, dampen a sponge or cloth with these liquids and rub away.
- Use a good auto glass cleaner.
- Carefully remove by using a new razor and light pressure so as not to scratch the glass.
Get the inside too
Clear and clean as the outside glass may be, you can't forget the inside, especially if you or your passenger smokes. Cigarette and cigar smoke can cause a hazy film to build up on the inside of the windshield. This can affect clear visibility and cause glare. So can the chemical vapors given off by the vinyl and plastics used in a vehicle's interior.
Before cleaning side windows, roll them down partially. This enables you to clean the top edges and the area next to the rubber gaskets, the dirtiest parts of the window. Apply the cleaning solution to a soft towel or cloth rather than to the glass. This will prevent the solution from getting on surrounding areas.
Clean the outside glass using a side-to-side motion. For the inside glass, use an up-and-down motion. Then, if there any streaks, you can determine which side of the glass they are on.
Finally, be sure to clean all side mirrors. You need to know what's happening on the road behind you and dirt can distort your view.
