Scratches on your car’s windshield are as bothersome as they are hazardous. It’s also a relatively regular issue. A damaged car windshield can impair the driver’s vision and endanger the passengers’ safety. As a result, it’s crucial to address the problem as quickly as possible, mainly if the scratches are minor. Once you’ve discovered the source of the scratch and the amount of the damage, you can decide on the best course of action. You can also get windshield replacement or repair services in car detailing packages.
Why Scratches On Your Windshield Need Attention?
Your car’s glass provides structural integrity, and a shattered windshield can jeopardize the roof’s strength. A fracture, scratch, or chip might pull the entire top-down in the case of an accident or unwanted tragedy. If you drive with a cracked windshield for a long time, it may result in a significant external collision. A minor chip can quickly grow into a comprehensive and severe crack, requiring a windshield replacement near me. Furthermore, the front glass of the automobile facilitates the correct and timely deployment of the front airbags; but, if it is destroyed, its ability to do so is hampered, placing passengers’ lives at significant risk.
Preparing to fix scratches
The first stage in repairing a scratch is determining if it is a shallow or deep one. It will feel smooth when you run your finger across a shallow surface scrape. On the other hand, a deep scratch will likely worsen over time, necessitating a complete automobile windshield replacement. You can slow the spread of the scratch at home, but seeking professional help is the best course of action.
The good news is that you may avoid this from happening by taking a few precautions ahead of time. Here are some pointers to help you avoid scratches.
· Wiper fluids
Keeping the wiper fluid reservoir filled at all times is one of the simplest ways to ensure a scratch-free windshield. When it comes to windshield maintenance, wiper fluid is more crucial than you would assume. Furthermore, a bottle of high-quality wiper fluid is pretty inexpensive and having it stocked in your garage all year wouldn’t hurt.
· Using the suitable cloth and cleaner
Scratches on your automobile windshield can also occur due to poor or insufficient windshield cleaning. As a result, while wiping down your windscreen, use a soft microfiber cloth to clean it correctly and without inflicting more damage. Remember to thoroughly pre-rinse your car windshield before starting to clean it.
· Park the right way
When you park your car outside, you’re bound to get some foreign items in your windshield, such as leaves, debris, and a lot of dust. This exposure might leave your windshield with many minor scratches that aren’t visible to the human eye. So, to protect your car’s windshield from any damage, park it in an enclosed place, preferably a garage.
· Fix small scratches right away
If you already have some minor scratches on your car windshield, you should fix them immediately. Otherwise, you will be dealing with more prominent and dangerous scratches. It is recommended to repair it at a reputable car-care facility, as poor or mediocre treatment will cause more harm than good. A reputable service will cost you more initially, but it will save you money in the long term.
Methods To Deal With Scratches
Following are DIY methods to fix minor scratches and prevent windshield replacement.
1. Glass repair kit
You can buy a glass repair kit online or at a local auto parts store. It’s a great way to fix scratches on your windshield that aren’t too deep but don’t fracture the glass.
Step 1: Rub the scratch with the rubbing chemical provided with the kit. Cerium oxide in the rubbing material chemically reacts with the glass to seal the scratch and prevent deepening.
Step 2: Allow 30 minutes for the compound to dry.
Step 3: Use a soft cloth to clean the area.
2. Using Nail Polish
Clear acrylic nail polish is widely available in stores. However, it should only be used for minor scratches. It’s ideal for minor repairs because it hardens as it dries.
Step 1: Paint a coat of nail paint over the scratch and wipe away any excess nail paint.
Step 2: Allow the nail polish to dry completely.
Step 3: Use a soft cloth to clean the area.
3. Acrylic scratch remover
Minor scratches can be easily removed with an acrylic scratch remover found at any automobile parts store. This substance repair scratches by chemically reacting with the glass and filling these in.
Step 1: Using a cotton cloth, apply a small remover.
Step 2: For about a minute, rub the scratch with the cloth.
Step 3: Wait 20-30 minutes before using the remover again.
Step 4: Using a soft cloth, wipe the glass.
Step 5: Buff out any remaining damage with a gentle buff.
4. Glass scrub compound
Glass scrub compounds are commonly used to remove hard dirt and grime from glass, but these can also repair tiny surface scratches on the car windshield glass.
Step 1: Using a damp microfiber cloth, apply some compounds.
Step 2: Using a circular motion and steady pressure, rub the scratch with the cloth.
Step 3: Spray the area with a bit of distilled water in between rotations.
Step 4: Apply the substance in small amounts over and over again.
Step 5: Repeat the procedure several times a day until the scratch is no longer visible.
5. Professional Help
It is preferable to get professional help if the damage is too severe to repair at home or you are unsure about restoring your windshield. The windshield cannot be repaired in the event of a deep crack, and you should have a complete windshield replacement.
Step 1: Remove the trim, the black bits that hold your windshield in place.
Step 2: Large suction cups are used to lift the windshield away.
Step 3: The pinch weld is cleansed of old urethane, debris, and dust, and new urethane is applied to the edges.
Step 4: The replacement windshield is suction-cupped into the car, held in place for a while, and then allowed to dry.
Are Coin Car Washes Terrible For Your Vehicle?
Conclusion
Maintaining a safe space between your vehicle and heavy trucks driving in front of you will protect your windshield. Because high temperatures cause the glass to expand and deteriorate over time, parking in the shade is an excellent way to preserve your windshield in good shape. If you scratch or chip your automobile windshield, it’s essential to get it fixed at a car detailing center as soon as possible to avoid scratches becoming significant cracks. When damages cannot be fixed, you should opt for windshield replacement.
