Why do car screens need to be cleaned carefully?
Unlike smartphones, car touch screens are not designed to be frequently exposed to water or strong cleaning solutions. Many screens are also covered with anti-glare and anti-fingerprint layers, which can be damaged when exposed to inappropriate chemicals.
In addition, replacing or repairing the central screen on a car is often much more expensive than a phone screen, making protecting this part even more important.
Should use microfiber towels
Car owners should use a soft, clean, and fiber-free microfiber cloth to wipe the screen. This type of cloth helps remove dirt and fingerprints without scratching the surface.
Conversely, paper towels, rough towels, or hard-surfaced materials can leave small scratches on the screen after repeated use.
Before wiping, the car owner should ensure that the towel is clean to prevent dust particles or small sand from accidentally rubbing against the screen surface.
Avoid spraying chemicals directly onto the screen
One of the common mistakes is spraying cleaning solution directly onto the touch screen. Car manufacturers warn that liquids can seep into the gaps around the screen and affect the electronic components inside. Instead, you should gently moisten the wiper and then wipe the screen.
If you need to use cleaning solution, prioritize mild soap diluted with clean water or specialized solution for electronic screens.
Do not use detergents containing ammonia
Common glass cleaning wipers containing ammonia can damage the anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coating on the screen.
In addition, many car manufacturers also recommend limiting the use of concentrated alcohol or strong solvents because they can fade or degrade the screen surface over time.
In case alcohol is needed, some manufacturers only accept diluted alcohol and use it in very small amounts on towels.
Mistakes that easily scratch the screen
In addition to using the wrong cleaning solution, many car owners also make mistakes such as using paper towels to wipe the screen, scrubbing too hard or cleaning when the screen is covered in a lot of dust.
Small dust particles can act like sandpaper and cause scratches that are difficult to fix. Once the screen scratches or damages the protective coating, the repair cost can be up to tens of millions of VND depending on the car model.
Refer to manufacturer's instructions
Each car company can give different recommendations for cleaning touch screens. Therefore, car owners should refer to the user manual before applying any type of cleaning solution.
In general, the safest method is still to use a soft microfiber cloth with clean water or mild cleaning solution. A proper cleaning habit not only helps the screen stay bright and clear but also prolongs the life of this important part.
