How does the oil film on car windshields form?
3 Answers
There are several reasons for the formation of oil film on car glass: 1. Vehicle exhaust: Due to incomplete combustion of gasoline, various exhaust pollutants are produced. These pollutants are often trapped on urban roads, especially behind trucks, and inevitably adhere to the car glass, forming an oil film. 2. Smoke and dust pollution: If the car is frequently parked near restaurant chimneys, over time, a lot of smoke and dust will accumulate on the glass. If not treated for a long time, it will form thick grease scales. In addition, insect remains, bird droppings, tree sap, etc., can also adhere to the car glass, affecting the transparency of the glass and even turning into an oil film.
Over the years of driving, I've noticed that an oily film often forms on the windshield, primarily caused by a mixture of vehicle exhaust and brake dust pollution on the roads. Every time it rains, rainwater washes carbon particles, unburned oils, and other pollutants from the air onto the glass, leaving behind a sticky film once dried. In cities with heavy traffic and poor air quality, this film accumulates faster, especially in industrial areas where pollutants are more concentrated. Combined with natural substances like tree sap and bird droppings, if left uncleaned for long periods, it becomes thick and obstructs visibility. Using specialized glass cleaners makes it easy to remove during cleaning, but the root cause lies in environmental pollution. Improving air quality and regular wiping are key to prevention. As a car owner, I believe this serves as a reminder to adopt eco-friendly driving habits and reduce emission pollution.
The formation of an oil film is actually a chemical accumulation process, where hydrocarbon particles floating in the air adhere to the windshield surface to form a thin film. From my years of driving experience, it mainly comes from micro-particles in vehicle exhaust emissions, rubber debris from tire friction, and oil-based fragments on the road. Rain washes these pollutants onto the glass, combining with dust to form a stubborn oily layer. In hot weather or during the rainy season, oil films tend to accumulate more easily, affecting safety. I recommend regularly checking the windshield and wiping it with a soft cloth to avoid scratches. The root solution is to reduce pollution emissions. Regular cleaning helps maintain clear visibility, which is crucial for every driver.
