December Driving Safety Tip: Clean the Inside of Your Windscreen
Key takeaways
- Inside windscreen haze is a major cause of glare in December sun and night headlights — even when the glass “looks clean.”
- Cleaning the inside properly (then buffing dry) can instantly improve visibility and reduce eye strain on road trips.
- Spray cleaner onto the cloth, not the glass to avoid drips into vents and to reduce streaking.
- Use two cloths: one to clean, one to buff until crystal clear (the buff is what removes the film).
- Check your wipers at the same time: worn blades smear the windscreen and make glare and wet-weather visibility worse.
- Do a quick chip/crack scan before you travel: small chips can spread faster in summer heat and vibration.
- If you spot damage or heavy pitting, get it assessed early so you can drive into the holidays with clear, safe visibility.
D&C Auto Glass knows that December in Perth is peak driving season.
More traffic. More road trips. More late-afternoon sun glare. And the one thing that quietly makes all of that harder?
A dirty windscreen: especially on the inside.
Most people clean the outside and call it done… but the invisible film on the inside of the glass is often what causes that annoying (and dangerous) glare at sunrise, sunset, and at night when headlights hit your windscreen.
Here’s how to fix it properly, plus a quick December safety check for chips and cracks before you head away.
Why the inside of your windscreen gets “hazy” in summer
Even if your windscreen looks clean, it can still have a film that catches light and creates glare. Common causes include:
- dashboard/dressing vapours and general cabin dust settling on glass
- fingerprints and residue from quick wipe-downs
- leftover cleaner that wasn’t fully buffed off
The result: your windscreen turns sunlight and headlights into a bright smear—right when you need clear vision most.
How to clean the inside windscreen properly (the 10-minute method)
You don’t need fancy products. You do need the right process.
What you’ll need
- 2 clean microfibre cloths (one to clean, one to buff)
- a good-quality glass cleaner (or a simple vinegar/water mix)
- optional: a small step stool if you drive a larger vehicle
Step 1: Dry wipe first (don’t skip this)
Wipe the inside glass with a dry microfibre cloth to remove dust. This stops you turning dust into streaks.
Step 2: Apply cleaner to the cloth (not the glass)
Spraying directly onto the glass can push liquid into vents and electronics. Better: spray onto your cloth, then wipe.
Step 3: Wipe in a pattern
Wipe in overlapping strokes:
- inside glass: up/down strokes
- outside glass (later): side-to-side strokes
That way, if you see streaks, you’ll know which side they’re on.
Step 4: Buff until it squeaks
Use the second dry cloth to buff the glass until clear. The “final buff” is what removes haze.
Step 5: Check it in harsh light
The best test is late afternoon sun. If it still blooms or smears, do one more light clean + buff.
Don’t forget the outside (and your wipers)
RAC notes that sun glare can cause poor visibility, and recommends cleaning windows and checking wipers—because worn blades smear the windscreen.
Quick check:
- if wipers chatter/smear or leave a film → replace them
- top up washer fluid before any road trip
December road trip safety check: chips, cracks and “stone magnets”
If you’re heading out of Perth (or even doing more freeway driving), do this quick scan:
Check for chips now (before they spread)
Look for:
- bullseye chips
- star chips
- tiny white impact marks
- damage near the edges (these often spread faster)
If you notice new damage, don’t wait
A tiny chip can turn into a crack with vibration, temperature changes, and long drives—exactly what December brings.
When to call D&C Auto Glass
If you’re dealing with:
- a chip you’re worried will spread
- a crack that’s growing
- a windscreen that’s so pitted/hazy it’s causing major glare
- side or rear glass damage
…it’s worth getting it assessed before the Christmas rush and holiday travel.
D&C Auto Glass can help with windscreen repairs, windscreen replacement, and car window replacement (including mobile options).
FAQs
Why does my windscreen glare more at sunset?
Low-angle sun + any film or residue on the glass causes light to refract and “bloom,” reducing clarity.
Is cleaning the inside windscreen really that important?
Yes—poor visibility (including glare) is a recognised crash risk factor, and clean glass helps reduce it.
What if I cleaned it and it still looks smeary?
Often it’s worn wipers, residue from old cleaner, or heavy build-up that needs a second clean + proper buff.
Ready to get your windscreen repaired or replaced?
