Let’s Make One Thing Clear

When we drive, it’s important for us to be able to see well. That means, of course, keeping the glass in our vehicles as crystal clear as we can.

If you’ve ever driven your car directly into bright sunlight, you know dirty, scratched or fogged windows can render you almost completely blind. Not a good thing when you’re moving down the road. Keeping your windshield clean is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain good visibility while driving.

And, it’s important to be able to see your mirrors and other vehicles behind you. So, a little clarity here can go a long way. Windshields aren’t the only glass that can get dirty, so be sure to give all the glass surfaces like door windows, rearview mirror, rear window and exterior mirrors in your vehicle a good cleaning on a regular basis. By doing so, you’ll help ensure optimal visibility – and safety – while on the road.

Let’s take a look at how you can maximize your visibility:

• Clean windows with the right cleaner. Don’t use cleaners that have ammonia or alcohol in them. Ammonia can cause the surfaces of your vehicle’s interior to dry out and can damage some window tints. Special automotive glass cleaners are available, and your service advisor can make recommendations.
• Don’t use abrasives on your windows. Some kitchen sponges have a pad on one side meant to clean pots and pans. Don’t use those! That abrasive can scratch glass and permanently damage it! Instead, a microfiber designed for cleaning glass is the one recommended by pros.
• We may remember to clean the outside, but the inside is just as important. We’ve all seen that film that develops on the inside of our vehicle windows. It can be caused by cigarette smoke or by sunlight baking your vehicle’s plastic and leather interior surfaces, releasing oils into the cabin. Thoroughly clean that oily layer.

Windshield wipers are one of those things you may not think about until they stop working properly. In addition to making it difficult to see while driving in the rain, damaged or old wiper blades can also be a safety hazard. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your wipers and replace them when necessary.

There are several different types of wiper blades available, and choosing the right one for your vehicle is important. Beam blades, for example, are a newer type of blade that offer a more contoured fit to the windshield surface. Some even incorporate an aerodynamic design that presses them tighter to the glass at higher speeds. Your service advisor will be able to recommend the best blade for your vehicle and install them properly.

If you are having trouble seeing out your windshield, let us inspect your wiper blades at your next service. In the meantime, be sure to drive carefully and give yourself extra time to react in adverse conditions.

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