DRIVING TIPS FROM BRISTOL ADVANCED MOTORISTS
LOW WINTER SUN AND DIRTY WINDSCREENS
Most drivers regularly clean the outside of the windscreen either when they wash their car or when they use the screen washers - but did you know; when you turn your heater to ‘demist’ - the traffic fumes, which are made up of suspended oil and smoke, are sprayed in minute particles onto the inside of the windscreen and this quickly builds to a film of haze or grime which becomes a major cause of glare.
This haze causes diffusion of light so that low sun and oncoming headlights are effectively spread across the screen obliterating much of what is in front of you yet the inside of the screen rarely gets the attention it deserves!
The best solution is to clean your screen inside and out, with glass cutter cleaner at least once a month and dry it with a dry cloth or kitchen towel.
Normal spray domestic window cleaner is not as effective as the more old fashioned ‘cream’ cutter types which are still readily available from most motor spares outlets, but make sure your cleaner doesn’t contain waxes or silicone which simply exacerbate that problem.
Advice from Bristol Advanced Motorists:
- During the winter months use a Glass Cutter screen cleaner once a month.
- Keep the washer bottles topped up with a good quality screen wash NOT containing silicones or waxes.
- Try to keep a good pair of sunglasses in the car - they can really help.
- If you can't see, do the obvious thing and slow down.
- If the sun is behind you, it's in the eyes of drivers coming towards you - be aware they might not see you.
- Check - and be prepared to change your windscreen wipers annually.
For more information on becoming an Advanced Driver, telephone 07071 201173 or email
