If you’ve spent any time driving around the Twin Cities during winter, you know how tough it can be to see when blinding sun glare reflects off the snow. And if your windshield is already has a glare problem, that can make it remarkably difficult to see while you’re driving.
Unfortunately, there’s really nothing you can do to minimize snow glare aside from donning polarized sunglasses. But luckily, there are a few ways you can reduce or even eliminate windshield glare so it doesn’t compound the snow glare issues you have no control over.
Keep scrolling for our best windshield glare-reducing tips!
Tend to Necessary Auto Glass Repairs
Did you know tiny scratches in your auto glass can be major contributors to sun glare? Windshield pitting can also contribute to the issue. When sunlight (or another vehicle’s headlight) hits those scratches and/or pits, they refract the light, causing it to bend in various directions, some of which might end up directly in your line of sight. Hellooo, glare.
If you think your glare problems may be caused by minor glass damage, have an auto glass repair specialist examine your windshield for scratches and pits. If any small scratches are present, they’ll more than likely be eligible for repairs. Pitting, on the other hand, is generally irreparable, so you’ll likely end up needing a windshield replacement if tiny pits in the glass are causing excessive glare.
Avoid Using Glossy, Protective Dashboard Coatings
Are you in the habit of applying protective finish products to your dashboard? While these types of products might make your dashboard look great, many popular protective coating products contain oils that reflect the sun when it hits your dashboard.
Rather than absorbing into the dash material and conditioning it, these products simply sit on top of the material, giving it a glossy sheen that’s highly reflective. Ultimately, you’ll end up seeing a reflection of your dash on the inside of your windshield, which can make it difficult to see the road properly.
Fixing this issue is simple: Only use protective conditioning products that leave behind a matte finish. Avoid using products labeled “gloss finish,” “sealant,” or “dressing” as these are the types of coatings that leave behind the glossy shine that makes windshield glare worse.
Clean Your Windshield Regularly
Although this tip probably seems like common sense, you’d be surprised at just how many filthy, damaged windshields we see on a daily basis. And that’s especially true during winter when the roads are loaded with dirty slush, ice, and snow.
While it might seem like a dirty windshield would prevent glare rather than exacerbate it, the opposite is actually true. And if the interior of your windshield rarely sees a cleaning cloth, that’ll only make the glare worse.
That’s why routine and thorough windshield cleaning is so important. A completely clean windshield won’t just cut down on glare and allow you to see the road properly. Clean auto glass also allows you to detect minor damage more readily (like the scratches and pits mentioned earlier) that necessitate auto glass repairs.
For the best cleaning results, use clean microfiber cloths and cleaning products specifically designated for auto glass. If you don’t have specialty auto glass cleaner, use plain white vinegar mixed with water instead.
While you’re here, check out the auto glass cleaning mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
Get a Free Auto Glass Repair Estimate!
Do you deal with excessive windshield glare? If so, our team at Only 1 Auto Glass can help! Our auto glass repair specialists can inspect your windshield for signs of minor damage that may be causing glare and perform the appropriate repairs to fix the problem. To get started, request a free estimate online or give us a call today at 651-789-1111.