Keeping Your Car’s Windshield Clean of Dirt and Debris to Avoid Accidents

You might think it is a given that it is necessary to keep an auto’s windshield clean to help ensure optimal visibility, but you would be surprised how many motorists never think twice about their windshield’s importance. The windshield is the driver and passenger’s window on the world that is fast approaching. Its importance should never be underestimated, and proper maintenance and care will help your windshield perform its duty better, namely making sure your view of the roadway is never compromised.

Many drivers never realize their vision is jeopardized until a situation arises where its failing nearly causes an accident. Inordinately sunny days when the sun’s rays strike your windshield unexpectedly can be extremely dangerous when your windshield is covered with grease or grime. The sun’s light on your windshield can highlight this grime, and a driver’s eyes can be unfortunately and unconsciously drawn to the visual imperfections of their windshield, if only for an instant, and in that instant, safety can be compromised. It is paramount that every driver routinely inspect their wiper blades and their washer solvent reservoir for just these sorts of occasions as well as others. The reservoir should never be filled with pure water as its ability to remain liquid in the winter months is obviously at risk. Specifically designed windshield washing fluid has anti-freeze as well as water and dirt repellent properties that pure water does not. Many auto parts supply stores also offer liquids that can be applied to an automobile’s windshield that coat the glass with an invisible film offering extra protection against grimy offenses. Concerning your windshield wipers specifically, it is best to replace their blades twice a year, preferably at spring and fall. Worn or damaged wipers not only do a poor job of clearing debris from your windshield, they can damage the surface of your windshield as well, causing scratches or other imperfections to form. Also, in winter driving situations, remember that your wipers were not designed to clear ice formations from your windshield. Always use an ice scraper to perform this job, because ice has the ability to cause damage to not only your wiper blades, the stress can damage your entire wiper system (motor, transmission, etc) as well.

Keeping your automobile’s windshield crystal clear is an essential part of preparation for safe driving, as important as checking your signals and mirror settings. Accidents can always occur, but ensuring your vision is never impaired can go a long way towards accident prevention. As always, should an accident occur, remain calm, contact Emergency Services, and be prepared to contact a personal injury to protect you and your families’ rights should that need arise.

Lloyd Robles heads Robles & Associates, an Austin, Texas based firm, specializing in personal injury law.