How to Preserve Your Windows and Mirrors

​When it comes to keeping your car not only looking presentable, but also being safe and functional, it’s important to pay close attention to parts which you might previously have overlooked.
 
The windows and mirrors for example, are amongst the most important safety features of your car, yet how many of us can honestly say that we do all that we can to preserve them and keep them in tip top condition?
 
Keeping your car windows and mirrors in the best condition possible will not only improve the aesthetics of your car, it’ll also make it a great deal safer and more functional as well.
 
From preventing condensation to ensuring your mirrors don’t fog up during the winter, here’s a look at how to preserve your windows and mirrors.
 
Rub soap on your mirrors
 
During the winter months, it is not uncommon to find that you mirrors have fogged up.
 
You see, ordinarily, the percentage of water vapor found in the air can be as high as 4% or as low as 0.2%. As temperatures drop, the vapor becomes a liquid state when it hits the glass mirrors and sticks to it.
 
The water molecules then clump together which cause the mirrors to fog up. If it gets cold enough, the water will freeze.
 
A great way to prevent this from happening is to take a simple bar of soap once the mirrors are clean and dry, and gently apply a thin layer over the surface.
 
The soap repels the water, so water doesn’t stick to the mirrors. Just be sure to apply a thin amount and rub it in well to ensure the mirrors are clean and easy to use.
 
Use an automotive glass cleaner
 
When washing your car, although it can be tempting to use dish soap, more often than not if you do so it will leave them smeared, smudged, and hazy.
 
Instead, what you should do is use an automotive glass cleaning solution that has been specially designed to be used on car windows.
 
Don’t use household window cleaners either, as they contain ammonia and will weaken the windows and the seals overtime, causing the windows to fade and discolour.
 
Use baking soda for bug stains
 
Okay, as gross as this sounds, one of the biggest issues you’ll face when washing your windows and mirrors is splattered bug guts.
 
If you encounter splattered bugs that you can’t seem to shift with your window cleaning solution, experts recommend a very small layer of baking soda on top of the troubled areas.
 
Leave the soda to work its magic for a few minutes, and then rinse off and wipe away with a soft microfibre cloth.
 
Wax the windows
 
Believe it or not, but you can actually wax the windows of your car just as you would the body, and the end results not only look great, but they also help to protect the windows and preserve them.
 
Simply wash and dry the windows as you would ordinarily, and make sure to wipe them using a soft microfibre cloth.
 
Next, take a clean microfiber cloth, apply a small amount of wax, and gently apply it to the windows by hand as this will reduce the risk of damage to the glass.
 
Once the entire window is coated, leave for a few minutes and then buff the wax off with yet another clean and dry microfibre cloth. Now, this will require some elbow grease and patience, but the end results are so worth it.
 
Finish off by applying a water repellent solution to your clean and sparkling windows and you’re all set.