Ways to Remove Smudges and Streaks from Your Windshield

What is a Car Windshield?

The front-facing glass panel of a car is called the windscreen or windshield. It has a modest curvature that helps drivers see the road ahead. It also keeps them safe from dust, rain, and other things outside.    
 

What are the Functions of Car Windshields?

The windshield provides an unobstructed, clear view of the road for safe driving. 

It keeps dust, grime, rainfall, bugs, and other debris from getting inside the car. 

A windshield is designed to provide structural support to the car’s roof. 

It helps airbags to open in the correct direction during a crash. 
 

Things to Consider Before Cleaning the Windshield

If you’re wondering ‘how to clean windshield streaks’ or ‘how to remove any visible smudge,’ start by making the following arrangements:

You should never clean your car’s windshield with random products, such as a strong chemical cleaner or dusty clothes. Consider using a clean microfiber cloth to gently clean the glass. It will not leave lint or scratches and will clean the glass gently. It is best to get a car windscreen cleaner that does not contain ammonia because ammonia can harm the tint on the windscreen and break down the rubber seals. 

Cleaning the windscreen in direct sunlight can make the cleaning solution dry too quickly, which wastes a lot of it. So, find a shady spot to clean the windscreen. 

If you’ve driven your car for hours under scorching heat, avoid cleaning its windshield immediately after reaching your destination. Let the windshield cool before proceeding with cleaning because hot glass surfaces can cause the cleaner to evaporate too quickly, leaving streaks behind. 
 

What Are the Ways to Clean and Replace Wiper Blades?

Only thinking about ‘how to remove streaks from the windshield’ isn’t enough. Your car’s wiper blades require equal cleaning and maintenance. Dirty wipers can undo all your windshield cleaning efforts, so prioritise cleaning the wiper blades as well. Drives should instantly replace wiper blades if they notice any visible signs of damage. Here’s how to do both.

Cleaning Wiper Blades

• Raise the wiper arms off the windshield, making them stand upright.
• Inspect for visible damages, such as rubber cracks, uneven edges, etc. If damaged, blades should be replaced immediately for safety reasons.
• Dampen a microfiber cloth with a high-quality rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner solution. 
• Run this cloth along the rubber edge from one end to the other, until it comes clean. 

Replacing Wiper Blades

• You may find the proper size blade by measuring it or looking it up in your car's handbook.
• Gently press the little release tab to take off the old blade. You can see it where the arm and blade meet.  
• Put the replacement blades in place by sliding them in.
• When you're done, slowly drop the blade arms instead of letting them crash back against the glass. 

How to Clean Your Windshield Without Streaks

Whether you’re exploring ways to ‘how to clean the inside of windshield’ or ‘how to clean its exterior,’ always remember that using improper cleaning tools or resorting to rushed cleaning will lead to streak formations on the windshield. You can avoid it by implementing the following tips:

• Always use ammonia-free cleaning products designed especially for cars.
• Clean in smaller sections to prevent the cleaner from drying before you can wipe it off.
• Use high-quality microfiber clothes for spotless cleaning.
• Clean in circular motions to lift grime and then wipe vertically and horizontally to eliminate streaks.
• Finish the cleaning with a final dry wipe. 

Step-by-Step Cleaning from the Outside

1. If you can see mud, dust, sap, or other things on the windscreen, start by rinsing it with water.
2. After rinsing the surface, use a cleaning solution that doesn't include ammonia on small areas.
3. Use a microfiber cloth to start cleaning the surface in circles. Gradually move towards the corners and around the wiper resting area.
4. Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff each spot to get rid of any residue.

Step-by-Step Cleaning from Inside

If you want to know how to clean the inside of a windscreen, follow the instructions below:

1. Put a towel over the dashboard to get the area ready. It can assist catch any possible drips.
2. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe up the dust first.
3. To keep the cleaner from dripping or spraying too much, spritz it on the microfiber cloth.
4. Wipe in circles from the top to the bottom.
5. To get into tight areas where haze builds up, use a foam-tipped swab or a corner detailing tool.
6. For a smooth finish, wipe it down again with a dry microfiber cloth.

Streaking and Smudges Prevention

Here’s how you can prevent streaks and smudges to limit your windshield cleaning requirement.  

Using rain-repellent products always helps because it creates a hydrophobic layer on the windshield glass. It lets raindrops to roll off instead of sticking and forming streaks.

Always park your car in shaded areas to reduce exposure to dust, sap, and other external elements that often damage windshields.

Use the right cleaning resources, such as ammonia-free car cleaners, microfiber cloth, etc., to reduce instances of streaks and smudges appearing on the glass surface. 

Weekly cleaning of windshield wipers can prevent any dirt buildup on blades, preventing smudging. 

Conclusion

Maintaining clean windshields is essential for safe and comfortable driving journeys. If you frequently drive your car, you must use the tips discussed in this blog to clean your car’s windshield and wipers. 

Besides cleaning, you should also invest in a Comprehensive Car Insurance that financially secures you against any potential windshield damage or repair instances. You can explore Car Insurance policies provided at Shriram General Insurance as they feature greater coverage, better advantages, customer support, and more.   

FAQs

Can I use a clean paper to clean the windshield?

No, using random items to clean the windshield can lead to more streaks and smudges. Instead, use a microfiber cloth.

 

How often should I clean my car’s windshield?

You should clean it once a week. If you have a busy schedule, clean it immediately after noticing visible streaks or smudges. 

What’s the best way to clean tinted windshields?

Use ammonia-free cleaning solution for best results.

How do I remove oily residue from the windshield?

You can wipe it using an alcohol-based glass cleaner to remove any oily residue.

What’s the best time to clean a windshield?

You can clean it at any time of the day, provided the glass surface is cool to touch.