What to Do When the Outside of the Windshield Is Blurry?
2 Answers
Open all the car windows. When the air inside the car circulates with the outdoor air, the fog on the windshield can quickly disappear. Below is relevant information about the car windshield: Car windshields have curved deformations at the edges where they contact the car body. This curvature causes the scenery outside the car to distort when viewed through the curve, affecting the vision of passengers inside and creating a deceleration effect. It's similar to looking at a newspaper through a magnifying glass—the scenery in the middle moves slowly, while the scenery at the edges moves quickly. Additionally, the edges of the windshield have fading dotted black decorative borders, which also contribute to this effect. The entire glass has a curvature. While driving, the curvature of the glass causes the movement of reference objects on both sides of the car to gradually slow down, creating the perception that the windshield has a deceleration effect. This shares some similarities with a magnifying glass.
As a driver with ten years of experience, I've found that a blurry windshield on the outside is usually caused by dust buildup, oil film, or rainwater residue obstructing visibility. First, safely pull over to inspect it, using a clean car wash cloth with glass cleaner to wipe the surface and remove stubborn stains. Also, check if the wiper blades are worn or aged—replacing them can improve wiping performance. If fogging occurs during rainy weather, turn on the AC dehumidification function to help dry the air. For prevention, try to park away from trees or dusty areas and wash the glass weekly. Long-term issues might involve leaking seals or a faulty defrosting system, in which case a professional repair shop should be consulted. Maintaining clear visibility is crucial for driving safety—don’t let small issues escalate into major risks. Developing regular maintenance habits ensures peace of mind and safety.