During the summer, car windows require special care. High temperatures, especially during heat wave episodes, together with various elements such as dust particles in the air and beach sand contribute to the deterioration of the glass. These factors can increase the probability of damage and cracks in the glass, while complicating the task of keeping it in optimal conditions of cleanliness and visibility.
This last aspect is essential for road safety. Taking into account that 90% of the information that the driver receives comes through sight and that the cameras and sensors of the ADAS security systems are installed on the front glass of the vehicle, it is essential that the windshield is clean and in good condition. state.
For all these reasons, Carglass, the leading company in Spain in the repair and replacement of vehicle glass, offers a series of tips so that our car's glass does not give us problems at this time of year. First, however, he recommends what we should never do: spray the windshield wiper when driving with the sun in our face.
Carglass' advice goes a little further and warns that this mistake that we usually make can have serious consequences when we activate the windshield wipers when driving at 120 km/h with the sun in our face. The mud and the reflections of the sun can leave us blind for a few seconds, which entails an obvious danger when we drive on the highway at the maximum speed allowed, since at 120 km/h we travel more than 30 meters per second.
If, in addition, the brushes are in poor condition, the effect is intensified. A sweep with the windshield full of dust and insects and worn blades will disturb our vision even more. In these conditions we will remain blindly behind the wheel for a few seconds, which implies an obvious danger, especially if we do not maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of us.
In summer it rains little, but when it does, very dangerous situations occur. The asphalt, which has accumulated dust in its cracks, becomes very slippery as a layer of smear forms and something similar happens on the windshield. The worse the condition of the brushes, the more difficult it will be to remove dirt. Windshield washer fluid can help us with this task, so we have to control its level, especially in these situations when we use it more than ever due to dust and insects.
The dryness, high temperatures and winds from Africa cause more dust and sand to rise in summer. In addition, the cracks in the asphalt expand due to the heat and dust accumulates in them, which the cars raise as they pass. This dust adheres to the glasses and reduces our vision. On the other hand, cars parked near the beach usually end up covered in a thin layer of dust and sand.
Do not activate the windshield wipers or the window regulators at this time, as they could be damaged and scratch the glass. The ideal is to carry a jug full of water in the car, to remove most of the sand from the windows and be able to drive safely before undertaking a more thorough cleaning.
Once we have arrived home, it is time to clean the windshield and the rest of the glass thoroughly. Carglass recommends moistening a towel with water and some soap or household cleaning product, and leaving it on overnight. For very pronounced stains - bird droppings, ripe fruits and resins - you can use a little baking soda on a microfiber cloth.
