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Wiper streaks and misted windows: how to keep the glass clear
Streaks on the windscreen are usually caused by worn wiper blades or a film that has built up on the inside of the glass. Windows mist up when there is moisture in the air inside the car, and dirty glass mists up more easily than clean glass. Clean glass on both sides, blades in good condition and a dry interior solve most of these problems.
The film on the inside of the glass
A grey film gradually builds up on the inside of the glass. It comes from substances given off by plastic surfaces, from breath, fingerprints and dust, and in a smoker's car from smoke as well. The film is most visible when the sun is low or there are oncoming headlights: the light scatters in it, and the glass looks hazy.
Moisture condenses more readily on a dirty surface than on a clean one. So it is worth cleaning the inside of the windows when they start misting up more easily than usual.
How to clean the glass from the inside
- Use two clean microfibre cloths: one damp for cleaning and the other dry for finishing.
- Spray the glass cleaner onto the cloth, not the glass, so that none of it runs onto the dashboard.
- Wipe the inside with vertical strokes and the outside with horizontal ones. If a streak is left on the glass, its direction tells you which side it is on.
- The easiest way to reach the bottom edge of the windscreen is with your palm flat on the cloth.
Why windows mist up
Wet clothes, snowy shoes and damp mats bring water into the car, which evaporates into the air inside and condenses on the cold glass. When the air is recirculated, the moisture stays in the car.
- Use fresh air instead of recirculation and point the airflow at the windscreen.
- Knock the snow off your shoes before you get into the car.
- Take wet mats indoors to dry.
- If the floor is wet under the mats or the windows keep misting up, the car may have a leak. Call 010 508 9300 and we will tell you whether we can help.
A clogged cabin air filter also makes the ventilation less effective. There is more about it in our article on replacing the cabin air filter.
Wiper blades
Worn, hardened or torn blade rubber leaves streaks and a film of water on the glass. First wipe the blade rubber with a damp cloth, as dirt that collects on it streaks the glass. If the streaks remain after cleaning, it is time to replace the blades. We can also replace the blades for you. This cannot be booked online, so arrange it by phone.
Do not use the wipers on icy glass. Ice and frozen rubber damage the edge of the blade, and a damaged blade streaks the glass even when it is not freezing.
Washer fluid
Without washer fluid, the wiper just spreads the dirt across the windscreen, and wiping dry glass wears the blade as well. In winter the reservoir needs fluid that can handle sub-zero temperatures. Washer fluid top-up (€10–25) can be booked online, including as an add-on to a wash or another visit. We have both winter and summer grade fluid.
Stone chips
A small stone chip can spread into a crack, for example in frost or from vibration, so it is worth having it repaired soon. Windscreen repair (€69) fixes the chip. A crack usually means the glass has to be replaced. Windscreen replacement is done for all makes with Saint-Gobain glass, including through insurance and leasing companies, and the work comes with a one-year guarantee. The price is given as a quote, so call 010 508 9300.
Cleaning the inside of the windows with us
Full interior cleaning (€64–77) includes full vacuuming, wiping of surfaces and cleaning the windows on the inside. The outside of the glass is cleaned in the wash. Why rain is not enough for that is explained in our article on rain and car washing.
Windows cleaned on the inside
Full interior cleaning €64–77. You can add a washer fluid top-up to your booking.