Bell Insurance Auto Vision Safety

Vision Safety

Driving with a dirty windshield is aggravating, and it can also be a hazard. Here are some window-cleaning tips:

Ordinary household glass cleaner with ammonia is fairly effective at cleaning windshields and car windows. It's good at removing dirt and grease, but it tends to leave streaks. A second application may be necessary to get rid of the streaks. Professional glass cleaners that contain no ammonia are also available. These products are effective but usually more expensive.
Another option is to use car-wash soap, water and a wash mitt. (Dish soap is not recommended, as it may damage your car's paint finish.) To clean up bird droppings, sap and other stubborn substances, let the soapy water sit for a few minutes before wiping the spot with the wash mitt. Use a hose to rinse the soap and dirt away, then dry and polish the windows with clean towels.
Another effective technique is to clean the window with a mild solution of vinegar and water (applied to the glass with a spray bottle), then wipe the glass dry with newspaper. The newsprint ink works as a polishing agent.
To improve the looks of a badly neglected windshield, try glass polish. Apply according to the manufacturer's instructions, much as you would car wax. Let it dry to a haze, then hose it off, and polish the glass with a clean cloth. Use a toothbrush to remove any residue from cracks and crevices.
The inside of the windshield can become hazy from smoke and chemical vapors given off by the vinyl and plastics inside the car. Use spray glass cleaner for the window interiors, spraying a cleaning cloth rather than the glass to prevent spraying surrounding areas. Before cleaning side windows, roll them down partially so it's easier to clean the area along the windows' top edge.

Tip: For hard-to-reach spots along the curve of the windshield or rear window, turn your hand palm down and support the towel on the back of your hand. This makes it easier to reach high, curved parts of the window.

Don't forget to clean your rear-view and side mirrors.
What you take with you as an emergency or road-maintenance kit depends to some extent on the time of year you're traveling. If you're taking a winter trip, carrying an extra blanket, an ice scraper and a candle are all good items to take with you. If snowy or icy conditions are a possibility, you may want to carry a bag of cat litter to aid traction if you should get stuck.
Regardless of the time of year, it's important to have jumper cables in your vehicle in case you need help with a battery failure. Flares or orange cones are also a good idea in case of roadside emergencies.
A first-aid kit is good to have on hand, as well as a basic tool kit. A basic automotive tool kit might include a socket-wrench set, adjustable wrench, replacement fuses and other basic tools.
Aside from a reliable spare-tire, you may want to carry a tire-inflater kit or a portable air-compressor in case of a flat tire.