Why does the car's front windshield feel rough and sandy?
4 Answers
When the front windshield of a vehicle feels rough, it is usually due to the glass being dirty. Here are some solutions: 1. Method 1: Wash it several times with laundry detergent and wipe it repeatedly. 2. Method 2: If it still feels rough, it may be due to grease. In this case, use dishwashing liquid to clean it multiple times. 3. Method 3: The wiper blades might also be dirty. Check the wiper blades; if they are dirty, clean them or replace them directly. 4. If the inside of the front windshield becomes blurrier the more you wipe it, there are two possible reasons: either the cleaning method is incorrect, or there is an issue with the front windshield film. How to properly clean the inside of the front windshield? The best method is to use glass cleaner. Just like cleaning the exterior, glass cleaner can also be used to clean the interior glass of the car. Glass cleaner not only removes dirt but also prevents glare, fogging, and static electricity.
I've been driving this car for several years, and suddenly noticed that the windshield feels rough to the touch, as if there's a layer of fine sand on it. The view outside becomes blurry while driving, and the wipers squeak when moving across, which really affects my mood. I think this sandy texture is usually caused by too much dirt accumulating on the glass surface, such as road dust, insect remains, or mineral deposits left after rain, which over time form a hard crust. Another possibility is that the wipers have aged, with worn rubber blades that fail to clean properly and instead scratch the glass surface. I tried wiping it with a towel soaked in warm water and dish soap, but the effect was poor. Later I found a solution: spray a dedicated glass cleaner, wait ten minutes for the dirt to soften, then scrub hard with a soft cloth, and finally apply some anti-fog agent to prevent rainwater adhesion. If this still doesn't work, it's necessary to visit a professional car wash for polishing treatment. Remember not to scrape with rough materials to avoid deeper scratches that could compromise visibility safety. Actually, this problem occurs more easily in summer or rainy seasons when high humidity accelerates dirt condensation. Regular cleaning is quite important—don't underestimate this detail, as it can significantly improve driving peace of mind.
When encountering a frosted sensation on the windshield, my first suspicion would be the accumulation of dirt. Daily driving inevitably picks up grease or industrial deposits, especially in stop-and-go city traffic, which can leave the glass feeling rough. I've developed a handy trick: after parking at night, I pour a bit of white vinegar onto a damp paper towel and gently wipe the surface, as it helps break down stubborn oil films. Alternatively, adding specialized windshield washer fluid to the reservoir can soften the surface. Another potential culprit is glass aging—prolonged exposure to sun and rain makes the surface brittle, resulting in that sandpaper-like texture. This becomes particularly noticeable in dry, cold weather when the interior heater blows, worsening the frosty condensation effect. I recommend checking if the wiper rubber is smooth; simply replacing it can save frequent repair costs. Incorrect cleaning methods, like vigorously rubbing with a dry cloth, can also cause scratches. A weekly wipe with a damp cloth followed by wax application for protection is advisable. In short, simple preventive maintenance ensures clear driving visibility.
I feel that a rough windshield can affect driving safety. Suddenly feeling like sandpaper, it causes blurry vision at night, making it easy to get distracted and lead to accidents. The reasons might be surface dirt buildup, such as dust mixed with dried rainwater forming a hard crust, or aging wiper blades scratching the glass. Quickly use a soft brush dipped in cleaning solution to address the issue and prevent it from worsening. If delayed, cracks may spread across the entire surface, costing more to replace—don't take the risk.
