MBWorld.org Forums

Mercedes-Benz: How to Clean Your Windshield

Your car's windshield repels everything from dirt to dust, and even insects on a daily basis. Dirt and grime from the road can quickly accumulate, leading to poor visibility and unsafe driving conditions.

By Kate Halse - May 8, 2015
Contributors: jctevere

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class (2007-Present).

If you're struggling to see through your windshield, it's time to properly clean it. You don't have to spend lots of money at a car wash or detailer to resolve this problem. In fact, you can clean the entire windshield in just 10 to 20 minutes. A thorough cleaning involves more than just wiping down the windshield with warm soapy water. To really get the junk off, you'll want a good quality clay bar to complete the job.

Materials Needed

  • At least two clean microfiber towels
  • Windshield cleaner (RainX)
  • Clay bar
  • Windshield protectant

Step 1 – Clean the windshield

Lift the windshield wipers up before you begin cleaning the windshield. This will let you clean down into the corners of the windshield. Then, thoroughly clean the windshield by starting at the top corners, and slowly working your way down. Work in small areas at a time for best results. If you choose to wash with soap and water the first time around, you may want to use a windshield cleaner afterwards to ensure that the windshield is as clean as possible.

Figure 1. Use a glass cleaner for the windshield.

Pro Tip

When cleaning, be sure to completely clean off any residue that collects on your windshield wipers. Failure to do so may cause the wipers to become very choppy in motion.

Step 2 – Scrape off grime

The clay bar, sometimes referred to as a detailer's bar, is ideal for scraping away those pesky stubborn spots of grime and other particles. You may need to spray some glass cleaner on the windshield before using the bar. After spraying the cleaner onto the windshield, slide the clay bar along the surface to remove stubborn bits of debris.

Figure 2. This clay bar has picked up hidden contaminants in the glass' surface.

Step 3 – Finish with windshield protectant

Aside from making your windshield look good, a high-quality windshield protectant will also keep it safe from bugs, dirt, and grime. In some cases, it could protect the windshield against small scratches and scuffs from rocks as well as other bits of debris. To apply, simply spray onto a few areas of the windshield, and then use a clean microfiber cloth to rub the product into the surface.

Figure 3. Apply a windshield protectant such as RainX.

Related Discussions