Tips for Taking Care of Your Windscreen

Your van’s windscreen isn’t simply a pane of glass used to keep the wind and rain at bay. Not only is a clean windscreen essential for clear vision when driving, but a windscreen that is properly bonded is also an integral part of your vehicle’s body which contributes to its strength and durability.

Whether it’s caked in dirt or has a small crack, here’s how to perform proper maintenance on your windscreen.

How to Clean Your Windscreen

There’s lots of information out there claiming to be the “right” way to clean your windscreen; you might have even seen some “hacks” online. However, you don’t need to make the process more complicated than it needs to be: all it takes is some good-quality glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth.

Step 1: Preparation

• Carefully lift the windscreen wipers away from the pane.
• If your windscreen is very dirty, give it a wash with water and a brush first.
• Make sure the glass is completely dry.

Step 2: Wipe with Glass Cleaner

• Spray one half of the windscreen with alcohol-based glass cleaner. Avoid cleaners with ammonia, as they can cause damage.
• Use a microfibre cloth to wipe the cleaner in long, smooth strokes. Wipe top to bottom and side to side to ensure that no spots are missed.
• Repeat on the other half of the windscreen.

Step 3: Clean the Wipers

• Clean the wipers thoroughly with screenwash to remove dirt and debris.
• This is an important step that is often overlooked; it will make them function much better and could even extend their life.

Step 4: Buff the Glass

• Using a second clean microfibre cloth, buff the glass.

Step 5: Clean the Interior

• Repeat the above steps to clean the interior glass of the windscreen.
• Use clean cloths to avoid smears.
• Always spray the cleaner onto the cloth instead of the glass to prevent it getting onto the dashboard.

Managing Windscreen Damage

Damage to your windscreen can be hazardous as it can obstruct your vision. High mileage vehicles that have spent a lot of time on motorways, such as work vans, are likely to have numerous tiny chips in their windscreens. Although they’re difficult to spot in natural lighting, you’ll be able to see them at night when light from an oncoming vehicle is refracted. It’s important to check for these chips as they often get overlooked, and a lot of the time simply blend in on a dirty windscreen.

Whilst small cracks or chips can be easily repaired using a specialised clear plastic resin that has the same optical properties as glass. If the damage is more extensive, however, you will probably have to have a new windscreen fitted.

Talk to a Van Expert Today

In the UK, regulations state that drivers must have a full view of the road and traffic ahead at all times. If the driver’s vision is impaired because of a dirty or damaged windscreen, the vehicle could fail an MOT or even incur a penalty. If you require more advice on how to ensure that your windscreen is properly maintained, or even if you are in the market for a new van, get in touch with Van Sales UK. We are proud to offer excellent deals on the latest models, and whether you are looking to outright purchase or lease, we won’t be beaten on price or customer service.