For many people, having a clean car is more than just a bit of auto maintenance. It’s a source of pride, not unlike pulling the snazzy suit or little black dress out of the closet for a night on the town. Sometimes hours are spent on the process, waxing paint to a high shine, attacking wheels with a toothbrush and polishing cloth clean enough to dry the holiday dishes in the dining room. And yet, all of us are guilty of one major car cleaning crime—not cleaning the glass.
The irony here is that the step most often skipped is also the most important step to helping drivers actually drive safely. Hitting the windshield with a quick shot of glass cleaner isn’t enough, especially if you’re using a dirty rag or paper towel. Often times this leads to streaks that can actually make visibility worse, especially in bright sunlight.
For your next automotive detailing session, make sure to take some time to properly clean the glass. Here are a few glass cleaning / polishing secrets that will have you seeing the world in a whole new way.
Most household glass cleaners contain ammonia which can streak easier, and when used inside the car, can lead to increased fogging on the windshield. Automotive glass cleaners are formulated to deliver better results, both inside and on the outside where bugs and other nasties can wreak havoc on the glass, never mind your vision. And always go for clean, lint-free towels to wipe down the windows. It only takes the smallest grease smudge to make a complete mess of the glass.
Using steel wool on glass can be controversial, especially if you have a specially treated windshield. Only ever use the softest grade—0000 super fine—and always use it with generous amounts of either water or automotive glass cleaner. Scrub the glass lightly in a swirling motion, then rinse thoroughly with water and follow up with another shot of glass cleaner and a clean towel. You won’t scratch the glass, but if you have a specially treated windshield, consult the vehicle manufacturer before doing this.
For light scratches and pits in the glass, there are specialized polishing kits for glass that do-it-yourselfers can try at home. These kits typically contain an abrasive compound such as cerium oxide powder and a polishing wheel that attaches to a drill or rotary buffer. Mix the powder with water to form a paste-like compound, dip the polishing wheel into the mixture, and polish the windshield using back-and-forth motions with gentle pressure. Be very careful not to apply too much pressure as that can generate excess heat, warping the glass or even causing stress cracks. Keep polishing until the compound is nearly dry and wipe the glass with a clean towel. Repeat the process if necessary.
