Windshield Issues in Heavy Traffic Areas Linked to Winter Road Treatments
In the capital and many other major urban centers, drivers report a persistent oily film on windshields after roads are treated with winter reagents. The film clings to glass and resists removal even after a routine car wash, according to Anna Shestachenko, head of the Winter Road Maintenance Association. In a discussion with the Za Rulem portal, she explained that the materials used to treat roads form a transparent salt water solution when dissolved, which can create this slick residue on windshields.
The expert noted that dirt and oily film stem from several sources present on the road. Gasoline, engine oil, worn tires, and asphalt contribute to surface contamination, along with soil from lawns and hills and sand from nearby highways and cities. In the Moscow region, where a sand-salt mix continues to be used, this combination appears more frequently, though fewer cities rely on it each year, she observed.
Shestachenko suggested that hydrophobic products, such as anti-rain coatings, can help keep glass cleaner and reduce the tendency for mixtures to stick to surfaces. Regular cleaning with such products can support better visibility after winter road treatments.
For routine home cleaning, she advised using dish gels and standard window cleaners to wipe down windshields. A damp sponge with mild soapy water can help reduce surface dirt on a protective basis. While this approach may not remove heavy pollution on contact, it serves as a preventive measure to limit buildup over time.
The expert pointed out that since 2011 the capital has relied on multi-component anti-icing formulations developed and recommended by a dedicated committee of scientists, environmentalists, and field specialists. Globally, the fundamental compositions have remained stable for years. Moscow’s fleet of anti-icing agents includes several variants tailored to different urban conditions. These formulations typically combine liquid and solid forms of sodium and calcium chlorides, sometimes with sodium formate, calcium chloride, and potassium chloride, designed to balance road safety with corrosion control for vehicles.
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