MOTORING & CYCLING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1534, 18 September 1919, Page 28

MOTORING & CYCLING.

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Several different compounds can be purchased for application to the outside surface of windscreens to prevent the formation of rain spots, which dazzle the driver, and, under certain conditions, seriously affect his vision of the road ahead. These compounds cause the rain water to run down the glass practically as a solid sheet, and, while the view through the screen is even then slightly blurred, the advantage is very appreciable. It is not generally known, however, that the same end can be served by the application of apple juice, and even by a piece of damp soap rubbed on the glass. The apple juice is best applied by cutting an apple in half and rubbing one of the flat surfaces all over the screen. This treatment is preferable to the use of soap, and even to that of some of the proprietary compounds, for no time or trouble need be expended in ensuring an even distribution, whereas unless soap be very carefully and equally applied, the driving screen becomes even less transparent than if the treatment were omitted entirely. Another very good treatment, and one that is preferred by many drivers, is a mixture of glycerine and methylated spirit, and a small bottle of this, mixed ready for use, may with advantage be kept in one of the pockets of the car. The proportions should be, approximately, a teaspoonful of glycerine to a tablespoonful of methylated spirit. The mixture may be applied quite sparingly with a piece of cloth, although the latter should be rubbed over the whole surface of the screen. These preventives of rain spots do not last any great length of time in continuous rain, and it may be necessary on a long run to renew the applications every 30 miles or so.