How to Keep Your Car Side Windows Clean and Scratch-Free

Keeping your car’s side windows in excellent condition is an important aspect of maintaining your vehicle. Not only does it contribute to a safer driving experience, but it also preserves the overall appeal of your car. While it may seem like a difficult task, it is not the case and if you are still not able to do it, there are always expert technicians who would help you doing so. With regular care and the appropriate tools, you can easily achieve a pristine shine. Let’s explore how to maintain the perfect condition of your car’s side windows.

Importance of Keeping Your Car Side Windows Clean and Scratch-Free

The significance of maintaining clean and scratch-free side windows for your car cannot be overstated, and here’s why:

Safety: The primary and the most important reason is ensuring safety on the road. Clear side windows provide unobstructed visibility of the surroundings and the road ahead. Any dirt, smudges, or scratches on the windows can hinder your view, potentially leading to accidents. Keeping the side windows clean is crucial for effectively checking blind spots while changing lanes or making turns.

Preservation of Car Value: The aesthetics of your car play a vital role in maintaining its resale value. Prospective buyers are more inclined to pay a higher price for a well-maintained vehicle. Scratched, chipped, or generally dirty windows can convey a lack of proper care and maintenance, reducing the perceived value of the car.

Preventing Further Damage: Addressing small scratches and chips on the side windows promptly is essential to prevent more significant issues from arising. Neglected scratches may worsen over time or expand across the glass, eventually necessitating a costly full window replacement.

Enhanced Vehicle Appearance: Clean and scratch-free windows contribute to the overall attractiveness of your car. They signify good upkeep and attention to detail, giving your vehicle a polished and appealing look.

Comfort and Enjoyment: Having clean windows significantly enhances the driving experience. Clear visibility not only ensures driving safety but also adds to the pleasure of driving, especially on scenic routes, where you can fully appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

Health Benefits: Over time, dirty windows can accumulate germs and allergens, potentially causing health problems for occupants, especially those with allergies or respiratory issues. Regularly cleaning the windows helps keep these health concerns at bay, creating a healthier and more pleasant driving environment.

Keeping Car Side Windows Clean and Scratch-Free

The first step is regular cleaning. This might seem basic, but regular window cleaning can go a long way in maintaining the clarity and overall health of your windows. Dust, debris, and bird droppings can adhere to the windows over time, eroding the glass surface if not cleaned. Use a high-quality glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to wipe down your windows at least once a week, depending on your car’s exposure to dirt and dust. This cloth is perfect for this task because it’s soft, non-abrasive, and highly effective at trapping dirt.

To clean, start by rolling down the window a bit to reach the topmost part of the glass. Spray the cleaner on the cloth (not directly on the window to avoid drips and streaks) and gently wipe the window from top to bottom. Follow up with a dry microfiber cloth to ensure no residue is left behind. Always clean your windows in a shaded area rather than under direct sunlight; high temperatures can cause the cleaner to evaporate before it does its job, leaving streaks.

Secondly, invest in good quality windshield wiper blades and use them wisely. Poor quality or worn-out wiper blades can scratch your windows. Always remember to replace them as soon as they start showing signs of wear. Also, avoid using your wipers to remove ice or heavy snow; instead, use a plastic ice scraper and a snow brush, working gently to prevent scratches.

The third step is to consider applying a glass sealant. Just like you apply wax to your car’s body to keep it shiny and prevent paint damage, a glass sealant creates a protective layer on your windows. It helps repel water, reduce smears, and make subsequent cleaning easier. They can also provide a layer of protection against minor scratches. Application is simple: apply the product on the glass surface, let it dry, then wipe it off with a clean cloth.

Next, avoid automatic car washes that use brushes. The bristles in these machines can harbor tiny particles of dirt and grit from previous washes, which can lead to scratches. Instead, opt for touchless car washes or hand wash your vehicle. If you’re hand-washing, use a separate sponge or washing mitt for the windows to prevent cross-contamination from the bodywork and wheels.

Also, remember to clean the inside of your windows. Smudges, fingerprints, and dust can accumulate and affect visibility. Clean the interior side using a similar method to the exterior, but with less water or glass cleaner to prevent any damage to the car’s interior parts. A top tip is to wipe vertically on the inside and horizontally on the outside (or vice versa). That way, if you see any streaks, you’ll know which side they’re on.

It is also critical to fix any chips or cracks on car side window as soon as they occur. Even the smallest crack can turn into a large one if not addressed immediately, which could lead to a more significant scratch or even a shattered window. Contact a professional if your windows get chipped or cracked.

Lastly, be mindful of where you park. Avoid parking under trees where birds might leave droppings or where branches can scrape against your car. Also, avoid direct sunlight to prevent degradation due to UV light.

Takeaway

Keeping your car’s side windows clean and scratch-free is not just about aesthetics; it’s about safety and preserving the value of your vehicle. With these steps, you’ll have sparkling, clear windows that elevate your driving experience while giving your car the well-maintained look it deserves.