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A Guide to Windshield Maintenance – Tips to Keep Your Windshield Clear and Clean

Windshield maintenance guide

Keeping your windshield clean and clear is a simple task that can make driving safer. Having an obscured view not only makes it more challenging to drive but also makes it harder to see potential hazards. So, we wanted to share some tips on how you can keep your windshield free of debris and ice in the winter. Keeping your windshield clean has many benefits: It’s safer, easier to see through, improves visibility at night, and can even extend the life of your windshield. There are different ways to keep a car’s windshield clean. The key is to make it a routine rather than an occasional activity. Keeping your windshield properly cleaned and maintained is important for safety reasons as well as cosmetic ones.

Windshield Maintenance Tips:

1] Mix up windshield wiper fluid and water

Whenever you notice your windshield starting to become dirty, go ahead and mix some water with your windshield wiper fluid. The right amount of water is between a quarter and a half of what the manufacturer recommends, so you’ll need to periodically check the level. The water will help to break up the dirt and make it easier to scrape off of your windshield. Plus, the water will freeze at a lower temperature than the wiper fluid, so it may help your wipers to last longer in the winter months. However, if you use water as opposed to wiper fluid, remember that it may freeze if temperatures drop below freezing.

2] Clean your wipers regularly

Keeping your windshield clean doesn’t just mean scraping the dirt off the glass. You’ll also want to clean off the blades of your wipers. If you don’t, they’ll leave streaks, and they’ll wear out faster because they aren’t cutting efficiently. Simply take a rag, spray with wiper cleaner, and wipe them down. For even more thorough cleaning, prop up one side of the blade with a paperclip and use a rag to clean the underside. If you are seeing streaks on your windshield after cleaning your wipers, try adjusting the pressure on the blades. You can find your car’s manual to find out how to do this.

3] Use a sturdy scraper to remove ice

A scraper with an ice-cutting edge can help you remove ice from your windshield more quickly. The best scrapers have a rubber edge that conforms to the curvature of your windshield. A scraper that’s too stiff can damage the surface of your windshield. A sturdy scraper can also be used to remove snow that’s accumulated on your hood or roof. You can fold it up and keep it in your car’s door pocket or glove box so it’s always ready when you need it. When you’re done clearing the ice, don’t forget to clean the scraper or you’ll just leave a mess the next time you use it. Scrapers can be washed in the sink, but don’t put them in the dishwasher.

4] Avoid using a dry towel

While it’s tempting to dry your windshield with a towel, it’s better to use paper towels instead. Dry cloths can smear the remains of the dirty water around, which could cause more damage to your windshield. Plus, wet towels can freeze quickly in cold weather, and certain fabrics can scratch your windshield when frozen. Remember that scratching the windshield isn’t just an aesthetic problem. Scratches can cause water to pool on the surface of the windshield and make it more challenging to see. If you don’t have paper towels, you can use a dry microfiber cloth or a T-shirt.

5] Maintain your wiper blades

While a squished washer can cause a streaky windshield when you try to clean it, a worn-out wiper blade can make cleanliness challenges. Worn-out blades can leave behind little streaks or large gaps of missed water. You may be able to clean off a streaky blade, but you won’t be able to fix a badly worn-out blade. You can test the condition of your blades by turning the wipers on in a dry environment (such as a covered garage). If the blades leave behind a streaky mark, they need to be replaced. You can check the condition of your blades by lifting them up and looking at the rubber. If it’s cracked or missing chunks, it’s probably time to replace them.

Conclusion

Keeping your windshield clean is an important part of car care. Keeping it clean can help you see the road more clearly, which will keep you safer when driving and can even extend the life of the windshield. There are many ways to keep your windshield clean, including cleaning your wipers, using a scraper to remove ice, and avoiding the use of a dry towel. Keeping up with windshield maintenance is an important part of vehicle care. It’s a simple task that can make driving safer and easier.

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