Easy Fixes for Windshield Issues

A compromised windshield can be a dangerous. Follow the below tips to keep your windshield clean. Clear visibility will keep you and your family safe on the road.

Clear the condensation quickly

It is unsafe to drive with a foggy windshield; you should never set off until the glass is completely clear of condensation and ice. Rubbing with a soft cloth will soak up the moisture on the inside quickly, but at the cost of leaving smeary marks behind.

• To remove condensation without wiping, first set your car's ventilation system to "fresh" rather than "recirculate."
• Next, switch on your air conditioning, put it on the coolest setting and turn the fan to maximum. As the air conditioning starts to dry the air within the car, you can slowly increase the temperature to make your environment more comfortable.

Unblock the jets with a pin

The fine nozzles on your windshield washer are easily clogged by dirt. First check that there is fluid in the washer's reservoir; if there is, gently prod a pin into each nozzle to clear any obstruction. With the pin inserted into the nozzle, you can also change the angle at which the water sprays onto your windshield to ensure good coverage with washer fluid. Just move the pin to adjust the nozzle mechanism.

Make your own cleaning products

There's no need to pay for proprietary windshield-washing fluid. Make your own in a two-litre (two quart) bottle by mixing 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) of dishwashing liquid with 300 millilitres (10 ounces) of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and top up with water. Use this solution to fill your car's windshield-washer reservoir.

• If your screen is covered with dried insects, squirt a few drops of dishwashing liquid into a bucket of warm water. Spread this over the screen with a sponge and then use a fine mesh bag (an onion bag, for example) to rub the bugs away.
• Wash your windscreen with a 3:1 mix of water and white vinegar applied with a microfibre towel; for a streak-free finish, rub the glass with scrunched-up newspaper.

Avoid domestic glass cleaning products — many of these contain ammonia, which can damage plastic and rubber surrounding the window.

Polish your glass for better all-weather visibility

Using a good glass polish (bought from an auto supply store) will not just make your windows gleam, it'll remove fine scratches that contribute to glare and also help to bead water when it rains.

Chips or cracks in a windshield should never be ignored because they can spread quickly, threatening your safety. Repairs are successful only for small cracks and chips (less than 3.5 centimetres (1 1/2 inches) across, at most) and involve injecting the area with a specialized resin. Auto stores sell kits that enable you to do this at home. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

If in any doubt, don't take a chance: contact your insurer or a windshield repair company as soon as possbile.