Window Care: How to Make Glass Sparkle Like New

Road grime and early fall rains can turn a vehicle's windshield into in a shield of glare. The problem is especially acute in fall as the sun sits lower on the horizon, enhancing streaks and haze on both sides of the glass.

How can you keep your windshield from becoming a driving hazard?

“Repellent products can help dramatically improve vision and safety,” said Ron Fausnight, group technical manager at Rain-X. “They are easy to use and can be applied quickly. I routinely apply them every time my car goes in for an oil change.”

Applying an anti-rain spray to the outer windshield allows the wipers to quickly swipe moisture aside. Anti-fog products speed up evaporation, combating haze that may be related to temperature changes inside the car.

A driver’s visibility always matters and there’s a smaller margin of error this time of year thanks to longer nights and harsh weather. The National Safety Council reports three times as many fatalities occur at night than in daytime, citing impaired vision and longer reaction times for the uptick.

“Each side of the windshield experiences different environments,” Fausnight said. “The inside of the window fogs up because humidity in the cabin causes condensation on windows, so an anti-fog product that dissipates moisture, evaporating it quickly will improve visibility.”

Glass cleaner for automobiles are designed for use on both sides of the windshield. In contrast, repellent products such as anti-fog or anti-rain solutions are designed for either the inside or outside of the vehicle .

Fausnight had the following suggestions for keeping your windows clear throughout autumn:

• Use a glass cleaner designed specifically for automobile glass. They help prevent streaks that can lead to glare.
• Clean interior and exterior glass surfaces thoroughly before applying window treatment products. Interior glass surfaces often accumulate an oily residue that diminishes the effectiveness of anti-fog treatment.
• Use anti-rain products for exterior glass surfaces only. Interior requires an anti-fog product that can dissipate moisture and help it evaporate.
• Apply window treatment products with a terrycloth or microfiber towel. Spray the towel rather than the surface and wipe it evenly across the glass. Remove excess fluid with a clean, dry cloth to eliminate haze.
• Use the climate control system to help reduce moisture, especially in climates with high humidity. The system will help the anti-fogging solution clear glass surfaces faster.
• Avoid getting window treatment products on rubber surfaces. They contain alcohol and can cause rubber to dry or crack.