How to Remove Oil Film from the Car Windshield?

[LeNoah]

Oil film on the car windshield can be removed using a dedicated windshield oil film cleaner. If there is only a small amount of oil film, glass cleaner can be used as it also has good cleaning properties. Below are the reasons for the formation of oil film: 1. Automobile exhaust contains various pollutants from incomplete combustion. Frequent traffic congestion in urban areas, especially when driving behind trucks, can lead to these pollutants adhering to the car glass, forming an oil film. 2. Cars often parked under trees may be affected by tree sap or fruit residues. 3. Vehicles frequently parked near restaurant chimneys can accumulate grease and dirt over time, which, if not cleaned regularly, can form thick oil deposits.

[SanViolet]

I really hate dealing with oil film on the windshield. Usually, household dish soap works just fine. Mix it with water at a 1:10 ratio in a spray bottle, spray the entire glass, and then use a car wash sponge to scrub in circular motions, focusing on areas with yellow oil stains. After rinsing, if you notice water still pooling instead of spreading evenly, it's time to step up the treatment. Apply toothpaste to the glass and scrub repeatedly with an old T-shirt—it's much cheaper than professional cleaners. Remember, never use kitchen cleaners as their high alkalinity can damage wiper blades. Try to avoid parking under restaurant exhaust vents when parking roadside. Wiping the glass after washing your car can help prevent oil film buildup. Severe oil film can cause dangerous light scattering at night. If DIY methods don't work, it's safer to have a car repair shop polish the windshield.

[DeAvery]

For dealing with glass oil film, I prefer using specialized oil film cleaners, specifically choosing those containing abrasive particles when shopping online. During application, first thoroughly wet the glass, then pour the cleaner onto the provided sponge block and scrub vigorously in small circular motions for two minutes, paying special attention to areas frequently covered by wipers. After rinsing, check the water bead condition—if they slide off evenly, the process is successful. I perform this treatment quarterly, always before the rainy season to prevent blurred vision during rain. It's important to avoid using glass cleaners containing wax in daily use, as wax tends to attract oil buildup. Oil film not only impairs visibility but also accelerates wiper blade aging. Remember to remove oil film before replacing wipers, otherwise new wipers won't last long either.

[StAsher]

I find kitchen white vinegar works great for dealing with oil film. Mix vinegar and water at a 1:3 ratio in a spray bottle, spray it all over the windshield, then cover with newspaper soaked in the vinegar solution for ten minutes. Remove the newspaper and wipe in circular motions with a microfiber cloth to remove both oil film and bug residue. The vinegar smell dissipates quickly and doesn't affect driving. Spraying some vinegar solution during weekly car washes can prevent oil film buildup at almost zero cost. Remember not to use steel wool or hard brushes, as repairing glass scratches is much more expensive. Oil film is mainly caused by exhaust fumes and cooking smoke buildup, so monthly treatment is necessary for those who frequently drive in urban areas.