Not many of us think about the maintenance of our windshields, but nevertheless, these elements are essential in case of a car crash or for simply protecting us from the external environment. This calls for special care and maintenance processes, which many of us tend to forget about. While many don’t even think about small chips and cracks in our windshields, these issues must be addressed as soon as possible.
Even the smallest air pocket or crack can expand when the season changes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations. Also, slamming your doors creates vibrations that impact your entire vehicle, and, in time, this can lead to windshield damage. Below you will find a selection of some of the best care and maintenance tips and tricks experts provide, if you want to maintain your windshields in perfect form and the scenery sharp.
1. Your windshields need professional, regular cleaning
Traditionally, people prefer cleaning their cars and windshields at home, with a good-old soapy mixture and a sponge. However, experts claim that this action, repeated, might damage the protective layer the manufacturer is usually applying on all windshields. A better alternative is visiting a car wash sop, where the cleaning process is done by using high-pressure foam pumps and high-pressure water pumps. This prevents circular marks from appearing, and will maintain your windshield squeaky clean for longer. Friction is guilty of damaging the outer layer of your windshields, and this leads in time to decreasing the visibility level. The inside of your windshield must also be perfectly and carefully cleaned, so don’t hesitate to ask about such services next time you visit your car wash shop of choice.
2. Don’t let small cracks and chips ruin your windshield
We tend to let small chips and cracks in our windshields just be. After all, what could possibly happen if we do so? In fact, this expert in autoglass repair Bradford claims that even the smallest chips can be hazardous for your windshields’ well-being as well as yours and your passengers’. In fact, the leaders in the industry claim that every incident from which results such damage must be managed and fixed within 30 minutes from its occurrence, in order to prevent further damage from appearing. Due to vibrations that usually appear when driving, even the smallest dents and cracks can expand to dangerous dimensions. This is the main reason for which many companies specialised in offering such services usually perform such interventions at the client’s address. Keep in mind that broken windshields are a safety hazard, the overall structure of the vehicle being compromised if these occur. Depending on the cracks’ dimensions, specialists recommend considering one of the two options available: windshield repair interventions or windshield replacement interventions. While small dents can be easily fixed with a resin mixture, larger ones require a full replacement of the windshield.
3. Regularly replace your windshield blades
Even windshield wiper blades in proper form wear out the outer layer of the windshield. However, the damage is minimal in this case. However, if the rubber layer of your wipers wears out, the metallic element will certainly damage your windshield and create circular scratches on it. In order to prevent such damage, experts advise to replace periodically these elements for a proper care to your windshields. Otherwise, your other solution when the scratches become noticeable, is windshield replacement, a costly intervention which can be easily prevented.
4. A proper distance from the vehicles in front of you will save you plenty of money
On highways or on roads with a less-than-perfect structure, it’s advisable to maintain a proper distance from the vehicle in front of you. It’s a well-known fact that the vehicles in front of you will project backwards or sideways small pebbles and stones that may end up chipping your windshield. Particularly distracting during sunny days, these small chips and cracks have the potential of amplifying and becoming larger if not fixed right away. Specialists recommend keeping a distance of two vehicles between yours and the one in front of you. If such events happen to you, make sure to make an appointment with a windshield repair vendor and have it fixed. The entire process is a fairly simple one, and in several hours you can have your vehicle back.
5. Be mindful of weather conditions
Especially during cold winter months, the small chip that you may acquire one way or another may expand and create a truly hazardous crack. During winter the sudden temperature change inside the car will also accentuate the crack, while in the summer, specialists advise avoiding sunny parking sports, if this is possible. Both direct sunlight as well as cold weather has the potential to damage a perfect windshield. Also, avoid parking under trees, as leaves, bird waste and dust are more likely to gather on your windshield and damage it. The decomposition process of these elements is generating acids that are very likely to damage beyond repair your windshield. An inside garage or parking lot may be the smartest option if you want to protect your windshield from such elements.
6. In case of small cracks, temporary fixes work
If you can’t reach an auto glass repair shop right after a crack emerges, you can apply a small piece of transparent tape over it. You will have a temporary fix, until you reach a windshield repair shop. However, do not consider this as a permanent fix. Under the tape, there will surely remain trapped some dust and this might damage your windshield further.
These are some great windshield care and maintenance tips you could put into practice in order to prologue the lifespan of these crucial elements of your vehicles’ structure. Never underestimate the hazardous potential of a small crack in the windshield, and never forget that you can find reliable services near you at any time. Also, many vendors offer at-home repair or replacement services, in order to prevent dangerous accidents from appearing.
