How to take Care of the Windshield

Unlike its former counterparts, the modern windshield does not shatter on impact as the multiple layers contain the damage. Automotive glass is one of the toughest glass types which is why it doesn’t incur damage easily.

However, car glass is durable but it is not unbreakable. Damaged windshields obstruct the line of sight of the driver. In some states, it is even against the law to drive with a cracked windshield. The constant wear and tear affects the glass on a regular basis. Debris and small particles may lead to dents, chips and even cracks. With these simple yet affective precautions, you can ensure longevity of the windshield.

The way you drive

Majority of the windshield damage is caused due to flying objects hitting the glass. A construction vehicle moving in front of your car may throw back debris on the windows. A certain way to avoid it is to drive at a considerable distance from other vehicles. This precaution should be exercised generally and not just specifically for windshield protection. It gives you enough time to react in case the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly.

Avoid high temperature

It is common knowledge that solids expand and contract under the influence of superlative temperatures. Heat gradually affects the structure of the windshield and consequently enfeebles the glass. It is, therefore, advisable to park under the shade whenever possible. While it might not be possible in busy places, you should park in the shade at least at home.

Windshield repair

Chips or other damage on the windshield are almost unavoidable because the windshield is susceptible to rough conditions. Cracks or chips should be rectified immediately. While smaller chips can be treated without much effort, you need to get the windshield replaced if the damage exceeds six inches.

Change wipers on time

Windshields can be damaged if worn out wiper blades are used for prolonged periods. Over time, windshield wipers become ineffective as the rubber of the blades wear out with gradual use. Subsequently, they fail to clean the windshields effectively. The exposed wiper blade can easily cause irreparable damage to the windshield. It is advisable to get them replaced at the slightest sign of malfunction or stress marks on the windshield. Additionally, damaged wiper blades reduce the strength of the glass, making it more susceptible to potential cracks and chips.

Proper Cleaning

The windshields must be cleaned properly and regularly. Otherwise, it may fail to fulfil its basic function of sustaining visibility. Therefore, you must clean the windshield with genuine cleaning products only. Don’t use harsh chemicals that may corrode the outer layer of the glass. You can make a DIY solution by simply adding vinegar to water.

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5 Misconceptions about Windshield Repair

Windshields protect the passengers from exterior conditions and aid visibility. Without them, the drivers would be exposed to weather conditions, dust, rocks etc. on the roads. However, they don’t receive the importance they deserve.
They are prone to cracks and dents because of the regular interaction with debris and harsh exterior conditions. Any kind of damage to the windshields should be rectified immediately.

A lot of myths exist related to the process of windshield repair which deters vehicle owners from investing in restoration. Irrespective of the costs and the time required for repair, window glass repair should always be a priority to prevent any further damage and threat to life.

Affects the Insurance Premium

It is a common notion that a cracked windshield replacement may consequently lead to higher insurance premiums. Theoretically, the insurance companies can increase premiums after each claim, but they would not risk losing business for such minimalistic claims. Insurance companies try to target significant claims like damage to the body of the vehicle. Rest assured that the insurance rates won’t cost much more after a repair job.

Time Consuming

Another reason why car owners avoid windshield repair is the belief that it is a time-consuming affair. While it might affect your daily work schedule nominally, repair companies offer door-step services. This way you can drive to your workplace on time without having to disturb your schedule or even get it fixed at your office. The average time taken to replace a windshield takes less than it is widely believed.

Not Necessary

One of the most dangerous myths out there about windshield repair is that small cracks and dents don’t require a repair job. It may possibly lead to a life-threatening situation as cracks can increase over time due to exposure to sunlight and impact while driving among other reasons. It is absolutely necessary to get it repaired at the earliest or it may lead to irreparable damage or even cause fatalities in extreme circumstances.

Expensive

Windshield repairs are believed to be expensive, but that is not entirely the case. An increasing amount of car owners entrust unauthorized centres with repair work to save on expenditure. It can be both unsafe and counterproductive as the windshields from such centres might not meet the safety standards and warrant replacement eventually.

Only heavy impact causes damage

Small rocks or pebbles stuck in the tires of vehicles can lead to cracks and chips, let alone big rocks. Impact while driving on unkempt roads may lead to windshield damage as well. Therefore, drive carefully and keep a considerable distance between the preceding vehicles and always park under a shade.

While you can repair the windshields yourself with DIY repair kits easily available, it is strongly advisable to trust only experts. It requires an experienced hand and may cause you additional problems in the future in case of an improper repair job.

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Your Guide to Windshield Care in Winter

With winter looking to arrive in the coming months, your car would need adequate servicing to be able to withstand the cold. Low temperatures have a huge effect on the car and its vital parts, often detrimental in nature. While servicing the engine and other moving parts of the car is often on top of the getting-the-car-ready-for-winter checklist for many, we tend to miss out on taking care of the front windshield glass.

Winter can cause damage to the windshield in the form of cracking and loss of visibility. Here are a few expert tips to prevent such a thing from occurring to your windshield in the cold:

1. Don’t remove ice or snow from the windshield with the wipers.

If you’re living in a snow-prone area, doing so will cause scratches and chip marks on the windshield. Always use an ice-scraper to clear the snow or the ice.

2. Keep the wipers in the raised position when the car is parked outside in the cold.
This will prevent the wiper blades from sticking to the windshield due to the freezing cold, and save you from unnecessary windshield repairs.

3. Use an anti-freeze agent in your wiper fluid.
If you are already using it, then make sure to check if it hasn’t evaporated due to the summer heat. If you are not using the anti-freeze agent, then fill up the windshield washer reservoir with a water-based anti-freeze solution immediately.

4. Defrost the wiper fluid reservoir with a hair dryer.
In case you find the reservoir or the washer fluid to be frozen already, do not panic. A few minutes of the hair dryer treatment should do the trick. If the opening is visible, but the inside is frozen, then adding more anti-freeze solution might help.

5. Ensure that the car heater directs air flow towards the windshield properly.
You don’t want to get your windshield all fogged up on a winter drive under any circumstances. Maintenance of the air conditioner is very important, especially before the winter sets in.
  
Follow the above mentioned tips to navigate your car, and its windshield, unscathed through the winter. Keep in mind that any substantial damage to the windshield, either front or the back, due to the winter cannot be repaired. Your only option then would be to get the windshield replaced.

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