Winter driving isn’t always the most pleasant thing. Adding to the glare are snow and ice. Less foliage also means more sunlight, which can make your windscreen feel a bit rough to look at. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce glare on your windscreen and keep your vision clear until spring foliage returns. Here are a few tips from DC Auto Glass.
Cleaning the Inside and Outside of Your Windscreen
You may think that cleaning the outside of your windscreen is sufficient but it is not. Unlike the outside, the inside of the windscreen tends to get dirty and greasy over time. The reason for this is that the chemicals found in your car’s interior are released onto the inside of the windscreen. To remove these smears, clean the inside of the windscreen with methylated spirits or vinegar. These solvents evaporate quickly and clean effectively.
The inside and outside of your windscreen are vital parts of your car. A dirty windscreen can cause blind spots, reduce visibility, and even result in 3 penalty points. In addition to glare, a dirty windscreen can also make your car inoperable or fail its MOT. To reduce the effects of glare, regularly clean the windscreen with a specialized windscreen cleaner.
Changing Your Windshield Wipers Regularly
The first line of defense against the glare on the windscreen is your windscreen wipers. Dirt, grime, and grease can cause the glare to increase. Clean the interior of your car windscreen with white vinegar, which will cut through the grease and grime. A new wiper blade will clear your windscreen more effectively. Replace them every six to twelve months.
To clean your wipers, lift them off your windscreen glass and apply the fluid to the blades. Wipe them until no color remains. Repeat this process until the wipers are streak-free. To remove stubborn grime, use a microfiber cloth. Never use a paper towel with colored ink, as this will leave greasy smears.
The glare from other cars and stoplights is distracting and can make it difficult to see what is going on around you. Changing windshield wipers regularly can help reduce this problem. By removing bugs and smudges, you will also be reducing the glare. Washing your car regularly can also help reduce glare by removing any exterior debris. A microfiber cloth with a glass cleaner can also help. Lift the wipers and clean the glass underneath.
Adding a Tint to Your Windshield
If you live in a sunny state, adding a tint to your windshield will greatly reduce the glare on your windscreen. Tinted windscreens will greatly reduce glare, but be sure to read your state’s laws about tinting before you start. There may be some states that do not allow tinting and you may be fined heavily if you break the law.
Adding a tint to your windscreen will reduce the glare from bright sunlight, but you should be aware that it does not reduce glare from your headlamps or taillights. This is because of the regulations on safety, which require a tint to be applied at 15% to 20%. A good quality tint will last for several years and can even be removed if you change your mind.
Adding a tint to your windscreen can make your windscreen virtually shatter-proof, making it less likely to be broken. Additionally, tinting your windscreen can prevent you from being spotted by criminals, making it harder for them to steal your car. Some window tints are so dark that you may have trouble spotting people. Fortunately, the majority of tints are legal and can enhance your visibility.
Keeping It Clean at Night
Keeping your windscreen clean at night can reduce glare and prevent a car from dazzling other drivers. Glare is caused by a combination of different factors, including your driving habits and the cleanliness of your windscreen. A dirty windscreen can cause light to be distorted, and could also cause you to drift into oncoming traffic or crash into a pedestrian. There are several ways to minimize glare on your windscreen, including cleaning it at least once a week.
A clean windscreen can improve your vision, which is why it is so important to keep it as clean as possible. You may not even realize that your windscreen is dirty until it’s dark outside. If your windscreen is dirty, the glare will distract you and interfere with your vision, which can be dangerous. To combat glare, keep your windscreen clean at night and make sure you’re using a dark tinted window when possible.