A car is an asset, and with proper care, it remains in good condition for years. A windshield is an important car part that performs multiple functions. Can you imagine driving a vehicle with a cracked windshield? That is a scary thought, right? Besides the shattered appearance, a damaged windshield can also lead to severe safety hazards. And as a responsible driver, you must keep yourself and other occupants safe. So, here are some tips on maintaining a windshield.
Why is windshield maintenance significant?
A windshield serves multiple functions. It prevents foreign particles like dust, grime, and dirt from entering the car’s cabin. When there is a major accident, it stops the car’s roof from crashing and caving in, thus saving the life of the driver. It saves the driver from the impact of a serious accident. It also helps the driver see the road clearly by preventing the heat and glare of the sun.
And when it comes to safety and vision, you cannot afford to make any compromises. Hence, it is of utmost importance to have a squeaky-clean and crack-free windshield.
Easy tips to keep the windshield functional
The life of your car’s windshield depends on how well you maintain it. Most car owners tend to neglect routine maintenance of the car’s windshield. It is not only about cleaning the portions where dust accumulates. With proper service the windshield’s life will be extended, thus safeguarding the lives of the people traveling in the car. Here are some excellent tips for prolonging the life of your car’s windscreen:
- Don’t leave the car under the sun for long hours
When you park a car under the sun’s direct lights, it is forced to endure extreme temperatures. Exposure to the scorching sun can cause stress cracks on the windshield. This increases the risk of the entire glass breaking eventually. The crack will keep spreading further because of temperature fluctuations, be it freezing cold or direct sunlight.
The glass things are highly sensitive to powerful UV rays, and it can get damaged. So, it is better to avoid such occurrences by parking the car in a basement, garage, or any other shaded space. It will enhance the durability of the windshield.
- Don’t ignore cracks and chips
When a foreign object ends up hitting the windshield of your car with an impact, chipping or cracking is a common outcome. You might also notice bubbles between the layers of the glass. The formation of bubbles, irrespective of their size, often results in potential damage. Cracks will spread further and obstruct your view while driving.
So, contact windshield repair and auto glass replacement services and get the issue resolved. Doing this will help you solve the problem in its initial stage and prevent it from becoming a major expense.
- Use a good cleaning product
Besides taking your car for its scheduled visits to the nearest service center, you should clean it frequently. Daily windshield cleaning is mandatory for any vehicle. That’s because the windshield always gets dirty from bird droppings, dust particles, wet dirt, and insect splatter.
But are you sure you’re using the right chemicals for cleaning your car? The wrong chemical will leave scratches on the windshield, thus damaging the glass or leaving streaks on it. Therefore, do not use ammonia-based car cleaners, DIY cleaners, or abrasive sponges to clean the windshield.
It should be cleaned only by using cleaners that are designed for removing dirt from the windscreen of vehicles. Also, always take a soft cloth or a microfiber towel for wiping the surface gently with the cleaning agent. Wipe the glass carefully with vertical and horizontal wipes and avoid circular motions.
- Replace the windshield wipers occasionally
Wiper blades keep degrading over time, becoming teary and weary. The condition of a car’s windshield wiper can have adverse effects on the windshield’s health in multiple ways. So, be aware and inspect the windshield wipers once in a while.
A wiper consists of two parts – a metal structure that remains inside and a rubber coating covering the metal. After prolonged use, the rubber wears out. When that happens, the metal structure comes in contact with the windshield’s glass. The hard metal scraping against the glass can leave scratch marks. So, it is a good idea to replace the wipers once in two years or based on how frequently you drive.
- Never slam the car doors
Whether you are in hurry or you are panicking – slamming a car’s doors is a big ‘no’. This habit can have dangerous implications on the windshield’s glass as well as the side windows. When someone slams the door, it causes vibration inside the vehicle. So, both the windshield and the side windows can get impacted. When such vibrations keep happening, the cracks or chips will expand.
Hence, advise everyone who steps into your car to be gentle with the door. As the windshield is one of the most vital components of your car, you should be mindful of its upkeep.
- Hire professionals
It is a brilliant idea to seek professional help from time to time for deep cleaning a car. A trained technician will inspect your windshield minutely and inform you if there is a small crack. Such a person possesses the expertise to assess the vehicle thoroughly. After that, he will suggest you the best solution depending on the severity of the condition. For instance, if the chip has damaged the glass’s outer layer, a simple repair is all it needs. But if overlooked, it the chip will expand and transform into a huge crack.
Final Thoughts
Looking after the windshield of your car is not rocket science. All you have to do is examine it from time to time. Follow the above-mentioned tips to care for the windshield at home. In case a crack develops, please do not leave it unattended. Look for windshield glass repair services in your locality. Make sure you research well and find an experienced windshield repair company to fix your car.