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Waxed windshields are hazardous in the rain.
1Indiana University, Division of Optometry, Bloomington 47401.
Journal of the American Optometric Association
|August 1, 1975
Summary
Waxing windshields significantly increases glare, scattering 24.8 times more light when wet compared to dry. This poses a safety risk, necessitating mandatory windshield cleaning after waxing to prevent hazardous light scattering.
Area of Science:
- Optometry
- Automotive Safety
- Materials Science
Background:
- Windshield treatments like wax can alter light reflectivity.
- Glare from vehicle headlights is a known driving hazard, especially in adverse conditions.
- Existing automotive cleaning standards may not adequately address wax residue on windshields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the light scattering effect of waxed windshields under wet and dry conditions.
- To assess the impact of wax residue on windshield visibility in headlight beams.
- To recommend safety guidelines regarding windshield waxing and cleaning.
Main Methods:
- Seven automobiles were subjected to waxing at four car wash facilities.
- Photographic measurements were used to determine light scattering from wet and dry waxed windshields.
- Light scattering was analyzed in the context of a standard headlight beam.
Main Results:
- Wet waxed windshields scattered approximately three times more light than the normal human eye's visual perception.
- Light scattering from wet waxed windshields was measured to be 24.8 times higher than from dry waxed windshields.
- Significant glare was observed from wet waxed windshields.
Conclusions:
- Wax residues on windshields create hazardous glare conditions, impairing driver visibility.
- A mandatory windshield cleaning requirement after waxing is recommended to mitigate glare.
- Regulatory bodies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration should consider implementing stricter cleaning protocols for automotive glass treatments.