What Causes Film on the Inside of Windshield and How to Prevent It

Have you ever noticed a hazy film inside your windshield while driving on a cloudy day? This common problem can be distracting and even dangerous. 

Knowing the causes of this common issue can help you prevent instances of it occurring, helping you keep your view clear so you can drive safely. This guide explains what causes film on the inside of car windows and provides ways to prevent it. It also includes how to identify when professional help should be sought. Let’s dive in!

Causes of Film on Inside of Windshield

If you live or drive in an area where it’s cloudy or rainy, you may often wonder, “Why is there a film on the inside of my windshield?“ A film that develops on the inner windshield region is due to various factors. Locating these causes is quite important in ensuring the effective prevention and control of this problem.

Here are some common reasons why you might see a film on the inside of your windshield:

• Smoke and Airborne Contaminants: Using an air freshener or smoking inside the car can cause a film to form on your windshield. Smoke particles and chemicals can attach to the glass surface, which creates a layer of residue on the glass
• Humidity and Condensation: Rains can bring along a high humidity level, resulting in condensation on the inner region of the windshield. This condensation, mixed with dust and other substances, creates a film.
• Transfer of dirt and grime: Touching the windshield with grimy hands or oily cleaners leaves residues behind. This residue can build up over time and create a film.
• Bad Ventilation: If a car is not well-ventilated, air is locked inside the car. Contaminants and dust particles can settle and eventually stick to the windshield over time. 

Impact of Film on the Windshield

The film on the inside of your windshield can impact the safety of your vehicle and can be dangerous for you as well as other drivers around you. 

• Low visibility: The film may distort your view, mainly at night or when exposed to bright sunlight.
• Safety hazard: With reduced visibility, the risk of accidents increases as other vehicles and pedestrians become less visible, making it difficult to view road signs.
• Driver distraction: When you try to wipe the film away while driving, your focus remains on the film and does not stay on the road, which is again prone to accidents.

How to Prevent Film Formation?

Avoiding this film creation on your windshield helps you avoid decreased visibility and other dangerous consequences. Get to the root of the problem and follow some basic maintenance practices to keep that windshield clear and the driving experience safe. 

Here’s how to effectively avoid film buildup:

• Clean the interior of your windshield regularly with a good glass cleaner. Avoid products that leave a greasy residue.
• Provide proper ventilation with the air conditioning while the inside of the car is cold so that it airs the interior. The air conditioning helps to manage humidity and will reduce condensation.
• Avoid smoking inside the car; smoke particles adhere to the windshield.
• Use anti-fog sprays or coatings on the inside of the windshield. This kind of product will repel moisture and other contaminants.
• Clean and vacuum the interior often to keep dust and grime away.

When to Seek Professional Help?

Often the film doesn’t go away or becomes too stubborn to remove. In these cases, it’s best to seek professional help so they can check if there are underlying issues that can be causing the film.

• Persistent Film: If the film persists despite frequent cleaning, it indicates that something is wrong with the interior materials or the ventilation system.
• Poor Visibility: If there is a visibility issue and it does not clear up after cleaning, consider calling professional cleaning services.
• Windshield Replacement: In extreme cases where the windshield is old and the film is ingrained, you might have to replace the windshield. A professional will guide you through the process for replacement so you can have a clear windshield again. 

Conclusion

Knowing what causes the film on the inside of your windshield shall assist you in keeping your view safe and clear while driving. Knowing the causes and taking preventive measures can keep the windshield clean for a safe drive. 

Always remember that if the film does not clear up despite cleaning it, get a professional cleaning done or go for a windshield replacement. NuVision Auto Glass meets all your auto glass requirements with the best services to ensure a clear and safe drive. Schedule an appointment with us today!

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