A cloudy windshield is as annoying as it is dangerous. On a good day, windshield haze can be a major driving inconvenience; on a cloudy or rainy day, or at night, it’s a situation you don’t want to drive in since the haze increases glare and reduces visibility.
What is windshield haze?
Windshield haze is the oily haze that coats your windshield. Many factors contribute to the formation of the haze, coming from both inside and outside the car.
What are the most common causes of windshield haze?
It pays to be aware of the factors that contribute to the haze on your windshield. Knowledge helps you understand what is going on and helps you make the best moves in terms of prevention and damage control.
These are the most common causes of windshield haze:
1. Leak in the heater core
Your car’s heater core leaks more often than you think. These leaks leave a sliding film on the windshield that will be hard to remove and, worse, will seriously reduce visibility. If you suspect your heating core is leaking, take your car in for a repair immediately!
As the heater does its job, the air passing through the box collects the coolant and deposits it on the windows and the windshield via the front vents. The result is a haze accompanied by a sweet smell given off by ethylene glycol (an organic compound used in antifreeze).
These are common indications of a heater core leak: (1) leaking on the driver or passenger floorboard, since the heater core is found below the dashboard, and (2) antifreeze under the car. Either of these two indicators means it’s time to visit a certified mechanic.
If you’re covered by an EverCare policy, you can go to any certified mechanic for repairs.
2. Off-gassing
In the simplest terms, off-gassing is the continued airborne release of a chemical, in vapor form. It occurs long after the installation of vinyl car upholstery, carpet, and plastic features (e.g., dashboard, steering wheel cover). It is a subtler but no less dangerous process. The airborne contaminants then cause the haze to form on the windshield.
3. Heat of the sun
Parking under the sun not only causes damage to your paint job, it also causes windshield haze. Remember off-gassing? Haze caused by off-gassing is more common during the summer, especially in cars that are often exposed to the sun. This is what happens: When features of your car’s interior such as your seats, dashboard, and carpet or floor mats get hot, they release oily airborne contaminants in residue form, which then cling to the interior side of the windshield.
4. Hard water, acid rain, dirt, etc.
The haze can also be formed by substances that come into contact with your windshield on the exterior side.
These are the usual culprits: acid rain, tree sap or pollen, and hard water. The last one is probably the most common contributor to the formation of exterior haze. Thankfully, it’s also the easiest to remove with a thorough wash.
5. Clog in the cabin air filter
When you have a cabin air filter that is old and dusty, the airflow in your AC system is limited. This clog increases air temperature. When combined factors like the temperature outside and exposure to the sun, a clog in your cabin air filter can greatly contribute to the haze on your windshield. Be sure to regularly change your cabin air filter!
6. Cigarette smoke
If you ever needed a reason not to smoke inside your car other than ending up with smelly seat fabric, windshield haze is one.
If you smoke or vape inside your car, the smoke will leave a grimy residue and splotches on your windshield.
Out on the road, it’s never a good idea to take visibility for granted, so always pay attention to your windshield and watch out for any signs of windshield haze.
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