Windshield Maintenance Tips To Avoid Costly Replacements

7 February 2019
 Categories: , Blog

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Your windshield is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Not only is a clear windshield important for safe driving, but the windshield itself helps to strengthen the structure of your vehicle. Keeping your windshield clean, clear, and properly maintained is one of the best things you can do to ensure a safe driving experience, but many people don't realize that windshields require care too. If your car's windshield is something that you don't normally give much thought to, take a look at these handy tips to give your windshield the TLC that it deserves.

Regularly Clean Your Windshield

Although it may seem obvious, regularly cleaning your windshield is about more than just keeping your vision unobstructed. It is important to fully clean the windshield from time to time using products properly designed for car care. Using the correct products will help to give you a streak free clean while also protecting any tint that may be applied to the window.

So why is it so important to keep your window clean? The simple is answer is that dirt and debris that accumulate on your windshield may not be fully simply by liberal application of windshield washer fluid and some wiper action. You may push the dirt out of the way, but it is likely to accumulate along the edges of the window or on the wiper blades themselves. If the debris is abrasive enough, this can easily lead to scratches on the window as it is repeatedly dragged back and forth. Cleaning your windshield regularly by hand helps to remove this accumulated gunk, lessening the chance of damage with each wiper swipe.

Clean Your Wiper Blades Too

Your windows are clear and shining, but you aren't done yet. Wiper blades are often neglected, but it is worth giving them a quick clean too. You can generally use the same products you use to clean your windshield to give the blades a quick wipe down. You may be shocked at how much dirt comes off! Give them a few wipes until your towel is clean, and repeat this process at least every couple of weeks.

As with your windshield, dirt and debris can become embedded on the wiper blades over time. This will reduce their effectiveness and may also lead to scratches in the case of abrasive debris such as sand. By cleaning off this debris you will save your windshield, get better performance out of your wiper blades, and extend their useful lives.

Never Ignore Damage

Damage to your windshield can spread quickly, so even small chips or cracks are a cause for immediate concern. Changes in temperature can cause seemingly minor damage like this to grow rapidly, sometimes within a day or two. Since the windshield is a structural component of your car, seriously compromised glass must always be replaced. This means that once a chip or crack has spread enough – or when there are a large number of them – there is no longer any option besides replacement.

To save yourself the time and hassle of a full windshield replacement, always have damage of this type repaired as quickly as possible. Chips and cracks that are small enough can often be filled, preventing the damage from spreading and keeping your windshield intact and usable. Contact an auto glass repair service for more help.