How to Clean Auto Glass for Maximum Visibility

Auto glass is an essential part of a vehicle's structure and safety. The front windshield and back window of a vehicle are both held in place by metal frameworks that hold up the roof and give it strength. For safety, auto glass windows give the driver and passengers a 360º view of their location as well as a view of the other vehicles in the area.

For these reasons, you should keep your auto glass clean at all times. Read on for some ways to clean your auto glass to give you maximum visibility while driving.

When cleaning auto glass, do not use a household glass cleaner. Many of these cleaners contain ammonia that can damage tinted windows and weaken the rubber seals that hold the auto glass in place.

For best results, use a glass cleaner specifically made for vehicles or make your own. To make your own auto glass cleaner, mix one cup of water, one-half cup of vinegar, and a quarter cup of rubbing alcohol.

Pour these ingredients into a spray bottle. This homemade cleaning solution is inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

Use a microfiber cloth to clean and polish auto glass. Microfiber cloth is made of polyester and nylon fibers that are thinner than a human hair. This cloth is highly absorbent and very soft so it is ideal for cleaning auto glass.

Do not use bath towels or kitchen towels to clean or polish auto glass. While these household towels seem soft, many of them are hemmed with clear plastic thread and are made from fabrics that can scratch the auto glass when used over time.

Also, avoid using paper towels to clean auto glass as they can shred and leave small paper particles that are difficult to remove.

Spray cleaning solution on the exterior of the left or right side your windshield. Start at the top and wipe the cleaning solution vertically from top to bottom. Overlap each vertical stroke and end with a horizontal wipe of the base of the windshield.

Do the same with the other side of the windshield. Clean your back window in the same manner, working from top to bottom and middle to side.

Place dry bath towels on top of your dashboard and back window shelf before you spray cleaning fluid on the interior glass surfaces. This will catch any drips and overspray.

Work from top to bottom and middle to side on these large windows. If any cleaning spray gets on the dashboard or back window shelf, wipe it up immediately and rinse the area with clear water.

Clean the exterior and interior of your side windows as you did with the windshield and back window. Work from top to bottom and be sure to clean the rubber seals that hold each window in place.

To complete cleaning, roll down side windows, open them a few inches to clean the top edge of the glass.

Once you have cleaned the interior and exterior of your auto windows, stand outside of your vehicle and look at the glass surfaces of each window from the side. This will allow you to see small imperfections such as pits, cracks, and chips that could be the beginning of bigger problems.

If you find any auto glass defects, contact Perfection Auto Glass. Our expert technicians will inspect your windows and repair or replace them as needed.