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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4 Common Methods of Windshield Defogging

Visibility is the foremost function of windshields and a foggy windshield defeats that purpose. With the oncoming of winter, windshield defogging is required every now and again. Additionally, the levels of smog and pollution in Indian cities reduce visibility and the range of the sight of the driver.

Manual cleaning, for that matter, is tedious and doesn’t clean the windshield thoroughly. This poses a credible hindrance while driving on foggy days. The fog can also be harder to displace as it might freeze when exposed to colder temperatures.

With innovations in the automotive industry, the solutions to windshield fogging are simple and many. With appropriate methods, you can ensure that the windshield doesn’t incur harm due to fluctuating temperatures and need for car windscreen repair doesn’t arise.

Air Conditioner

The simplest trick to demist a windshield quickly is to switch on the car heater. The dry hot air from the heater reduces the moisture, but it is logically not an option during summers.

The windshield can be defogged with the use of cool air as well. Mixing the outside air with the heat and humidity of the interior can prove beneficial when you lower your windows. However, it can be uncomfortable for the passengers during winters and needs to be done at repeated intervals.

Ventilation

Roll down the windows for the circulation of the air. It is not the quickest way to defog the windshield, but you can depend on its efficacy. The drop in temperature acts on the moisture inside the cabin and dissipates fog gradually.

Defroster/Defogger

Modern day cars are equipped with defoggers/defrosters. This feature dissipates the fog quickly without causing discomfort to the passengers. Defoggers work on a simple theory: the rear windshield has an arrangement of thin thermal lines which heat up the glass with the push of a button. They completely remove the fog without any effect on the glass whatsoever.

However, the defogger cannot be employed on the front windshield for obvious reasons. The lines are a possible obstruction to the driver’s line of sight. Moreover, it takes more time to defog, which may not be ideal while travelling.

Manual Cleaning

Manually scrubbing or mopping the windshield removes fog but only temporarily. If, however, you wipe the windshield with soap water, the windshield will remain unaffected by fog for a while. Glass dealers and experts also suggest the use of cleaners available in the market.

Both are more of prevention techniques, while regular cleaning is beneficial for the windshields. A clean windshield is extremely important and can completely eliminate the need to defog glass.

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4 Benefits of Original Windshields

The materials used to manufacture windshields have evolved over the years. Focus has shifted from just protection from external conditions to filtering the harmful UV rays. They safeguard the passengers during accidents as well. This indicates why you need to place more emphasis on parts such as windshields instead of the other features while purchasing a new vehicle.

Therefore, in the case of a windshield crack or other damage, it is essential that you choose a replacement forged by renowned glass manufacturers. Fake windshields are exceedingly vulnerable and can cause unavoidable perils on the road. The various benefits of employing genuine windshields are listed below:

High-quality Optical View

Windshields that don’t cohere with the basic safety standards can get discolored or even show signs of stress after a point of time. This compromises the field of vision for the driver and can lead to accidents which can prove to be fatal. Original windshields on the other hand, withstand severe circumstances much longer as compared to artificial windshields. They provide exceptional vision and last for years at a stretch if cared for properly.

Noise Insulation

An Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) windshield provides flawless noise insulation. The glue used to install the glass is strong and durable, and therefore blocks any kind of external noise during congestion on the roads. The auto glass itself is layered and produced with ‘equipment-style tooling’ which creates a degree of separation between the interior and the exterior of the car. The quality of fake glass may not sustain the glue used for installation and may let in external noise into the cabin.

UV Protection

One of the most important functions that a windshield provides is protecting the driver and the co-passengers from the sun’s UV rays. UV rays are harmful to the skin and eyes. The plastic interlayer absorbs nearly all of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Therefore, whenever the need for a windshield replace arises, ensure that the substitution is original and certified.

Effect on Wipers

Wipers are of prime importance during monsoons.  They are responsible for a better field of vision during downpours. Artificial windshields deplete the quality of the rubber on the wiper blade. It is very important to place original windshields or else the friction between the rubber and the windshield might not be sustained by the glass, consequently damaging both the wipers and the windscreen.

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This is why you need Windshield Washer Fluid

One of the most practical tips for vehicle owners is to keep their windscreen clean and in good shape. This is mainly to avoid any obstruction of view while driving, and safety concerns if your windshield is cracked or chipped. While glass chip repair is a solution to those safety concerns; regular cleaning is the answer for a crystal clear view. Being the most exposed part of your car, mud, bugs and other debris can accumulate on the glass. This leads to residue making it hard to see through. Therefore, regular cleaning of your windshield is always recommended.

You may get away with cleaning the windshield with plain water rather using a washer fluid. But, plain water cannot match the cleaning power of a proper windshield washer fluid to clean bird droppings, bugs, road grime and dirt that collects. These fluids can help in several ways and here we break down how:

Keeps the windshield in mint condition

Constituents of plain water can have harsh effects on the windshield when the wipers are at work. It further leads to minor scratches as well. A proper washer fluid works like a charm as it removes soil and dirt with ease. Moreover, if there any damages on the windshield, a washer fluid works more efficiently without harming the glass any further or extending the damage. This will enable auto glass chip repair before soil or dirt can cause more damage.

Free from any frosting

Two basic constituents of washer fluids—ethanol and ethylene glycol—act as anti-freeze agents, which prevent any ice from forming on the windshield. Hence, during harsh winters, washing the glass once with a washer fluid before heading out for a drive will go a long way in preventing ice/frosting taking place on the glass.

Prevents fogging

A good clean-up with a washer fluid leaves a protective film on the glass. This film eliminates the uneven absorption and increases transparency for better visibility. Therefore, the continual need to employ wipers is eliminated.

Safe choice for glass

These washer fluids do not contain any metal ions or other harmful chemicals that can be hazardous to the glass or other parts of the vehicle. They are completely safe and your best bet for windshield cleaning.

Using the wipers on a dirty windshield is a deterrent to both the wipers and the windscreen. Keeping the tank full with washer fluid comes in handy during storms and sticky situations without posing any harm.

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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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