Everything you see the road through
A clear view is easy to take for granted until rain, low sun or a dirty windshield takes it away. Wiper blades wear out faster than most people expect, and a small chip in the glass can spread across it on a cold morning.
This page covers the parts between your eyes and the road: wiper blades, washer fluid, the windshield itself and how to set your mirrors so less of the road around you is hidden.
Quick checks for a clear view
- Wiper blades for streaks, skips and split rubber
- Washer fluid level and spray direction
- Chips or cracks in the windshield
- Mirror positions before every drive
What to look for
Worn blades
Streaks, a chattering sound or patches the blade skips are signs the rubber has hardened. Run a finger along the edge; it should feel smooth and flexible.
Washer fluid
Keep the reservoir full, with a winter fluid in cold months so it does not freeze. Check that the jets spray onto the glass rather than over the roof.
Chips and cracks
A chip smaller than a coin can often be repaired. Heat, cold and bumps can make it spread, so a glass shop is worth a call sooner rather than later.
Mirrors
Set the side mirrors so the side of your own car just disappears from view. That shows more of the lanes beside you and less of your own doors.
Call a glass shop or technician when
- A chip starts to spread into a crack
- A crack sits in the driver’s line of sight
- The wipers stop at odd positions or run slowly
- The washer pump hums but nothing sprays
The inside of the windshield matters too. A film builds up on it from the dashboard and the air vents, and it scatters headlight glare at night. Clean it with a dedicated glass cleaner and a dry cloth, and keep the defroster vents clear of papers and clutter.
Common questions
Many makers suggest checking them every few months and replacing them once they streak or chatter. Sun and frost both shorten their life, so the schedule depends on where you live.
Plain water works in warm weather but cleans poorly and can freeze in winter, which may crack the reservoir or the lines. Washer fluid is made for the job.
Not usually urgent, but worth dealing with soon. A chip can spread quickly with a sudden change in temperature or a pothole, and a repair is quicker than a replacement.
Rear-view mirror on the whole back window. Side mirrors angled outward until your own car is just out of sight, then check over your shoulder before changing lanes.
This page is general information, not an inspection or a diagnosis of your car. Follow your owner’s manual and ask a qualified technician about anything you find.