How To Keep Windscreen Clean

The job of your windscreen isn’t just to keep the wind and rain out. A clear windscreen is essential for good visibility while driving and, therefore, for your safety.

Additionally, the bonded windscreen is an integral part of the vehicle body. Your windscreen actually contributes significantly to the strength and stiffness of your car’s body.

The best way to keep your windscreen in good condition is to clean it regularly, and we’re going to show you the best way to do it.

Read More: Basic Car Maintenance: What Can You Do Yourself?

A Step-by-Step Guide To Clearing Your Windscreen

According to the AA, the best procedure for cleaning your windscreen is:

Step 1 – Prepare the windscreen

Carefully lift up your windscreen wipers away from the glass. (On some cars, you’ll need to use the “wiper maintenance” mode rather than lifting. Info will be in the handbook.)

If your windscreen’s very dirty, wash it first with water and a brush. 

Make sure the windscreen is dry afterward.

Step 2 – Use glass cleaner

Spray half your windscreen with alcohol-based glass cleaner.

Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can cause damage.

Step 3 – Wipe with a cloth

Use a clean microfibre cloth to wipe your windscreen in long, smooth strokes.

You can wipe from top to bottom and side to side to make sure no spots are missed.

Step 4 – Repeat 

Clean the other half of your windscreen by spraying the other side and cleaning it with a cloth.

Step 5 – Clean the wipers 

This is a really important step that’s often overlooked.

Give the rubber of the windscreen wipers a good clean with screenwash to remove dirt and debris.

This will make them work much better and could extend their life.

Step 6 – Buff the glass

Buff the glass with a second clean microfibre cloth.

Step 7 – Clean the inside

Repeat the cleaning steps for the inside of your windscreen.

Use clean clothes to avoid smears.

Spray the cleaner onto the cloth instead of the glass to avoid getting it on your dashboard.

You might not see much point in cleaning the inside of your windscreen, but it is worth remembering that chemicals from leathers, plastics, and vinyl inside your car are released in a process called “off-gassing.” 

These gases can make the inside of your windscreen greasy and reduce your visibility, and you’ll need that visibility to see the road during your driving lessons with Northwest Driving School and Traffic School!