4 Tips on Looking After Your Windscreen

July 10, 2023 lucille

By regularly maintaining your vehicle you are not only protecting a valuable investment, you are also looking after your own safety and that of others who travel in your vehicle. It goes without saying that a regular car service is simple common sense, but when it comes to windscreens it is surprising how many people neglect to take proper care.

Your windscreen is literally the window to your driving world and what you see determines how you drive your vehicle. Similarly, what you cannot see may impinge upon your safety, and that is where the clarity and condition of your windscreen becomes a vital factor in overall road safety.

Although annual vehicle safety checks are not mandatory in every state of Australia it is an interesting fact that in the UK nearly 2,000,000 vehicles a year fail their annual test because of damaged or faulty windscreens. With Australians taking to the road in unprecedented numbers, especially those undertaking long road trips, it would be no surprise to discover a large number of vehicles with chipped or damaged windscreens.

It is not good enough to wait until your next car service to have your mechanic tell you that your windscreen needs attention. You can easily look after your windscreen yourself by following these simple tips.

At the first sign of any chips, have them repaired immediately so that the damage does not spread.

Keep your windscreen spotlessly clean. In an ideal world, you should clean your windscreen every day. A quick wipe over is all that may be necessary to keep your screen sparkling and clear. For more stubborn stains you can use a proprietary cleaning product or simply wash the windscreen with a scrubbing brush and plenty of water.

Wipe over the interior of the windscreen at least once a week. The inside of your windscreen is subject to smears, grease build-up and fingerprints that, over time, leave the inside of the window cloudy and difficult to see through. This is especially evident when you are driving in sunny conditions where the refraction of light can make it very difficult to see. That’s why it is important to use a cleaning product to remove the smears and film which cover the surface of the glass on the inside of your vehicle. The same applies to other windows in your car.

Make sure the rear windscreen is equally clean. There is little point in having only the front windscreen as part of your maintenance program. The rear window is of equal importance and you should regularly clean it both inside and out. While you’re at it, make sure the driver’s and passenger windows are also cleaned inside and out at least on a weekly basis.

If you have used a tinted film on any glass, make sure you use water and an appropriate mild detergent only, in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

Once you are in the habit of cleaning your windscreen and windows you will come to enjoy the high standards you have set for yourself. You will no longer have to rely upon your mechanic to alert you to any problems and you will enjoy your driving even more.