How To Take Care Of Your Windshield

If you are like most people, you may not think much about your car’s windshield. It does not seem to play any role other than being a large window that gives you a good view of the road ahead and keeps the wind out of your face. Naturally, windshield care takes a back seat unless it becomes so dirty or damaged that driving becomes difficult.

A Windshield Is More Than A Window

You may be unaware about the important role your windshield plays in the safety of your car. It’s not just about visibility. Windshields are very durable and are not easily damaged. Even under severe impact, they are designed to crack rather than shatter. During an accident, the windshield prevents the roof from caving in. It also prevents the front passengers from flying out of the vehicle.

The windshield is checked during the annual MOT test, which is mandatory for all vehicles in the UK if they are older than three years. Your car will fail the test if the windshield is dirty or damaged to a point where it endangers safety or obstructs the driver’s view. Driving with a damaged windshield can also attract fines from traffic officials.

What Causes Windshield Damage?

You can damage your windshield in an accident, but most damages occur due to flying objects or road debris striking the glass at high speed. It could be as silly as a small piece of gravel flying out of a construction truck or a pebble shot from under the tyre of another vehicle. Very often, the damage is very minute and you may not even notice the small chip unless you examine it closely.

Preventing Windshield Damage

Here are some tips to make your windshield last longer.

1: Avoid parking your car in direct sunlight for extended periods.

Sunlight contains UV rays, which damages the tint of vehicle glass. The heat can also lead to expansion and contraction, which weakens the structural integrity of the windshield. It will also make cracks expand at a faster pace.

2: Fix small damages quickly because they will expand if left untreated.

3: Clean wipers regularly.

Small particles of sand can get embedded in the wipers and this will scratch the windshield during operation. Clean the wipers regularly before and during the rain or snow seasons. Never use your wiper on a dry windshield.

4: Don’t use common glass cleaners meant for windows.

Common glass cleaners contain ammonia, which damages the tint of vehicle glass. For windshields and windows of your car, use a glass cleaner that is specially made for vehicles.

Fixing Windshield Damage

A windshield replacement is expensive, but fortunately, it’s not always necessary. Small chips and cracks are safe, easy and inexpensive to repair.

Small damages are repaired by injecting a special resin that prevents the problem from spreading. Small cracks can also be managed by drilling tiny holes at their ends. Both these are inexpensive treatments. While, this does not make the chip or crack disappear, it will prevent it from expanding and becoming a major problem.

The type of repair required depends on the location and severity of the damage. If there are several cracks radiating in different directions or if the damage is obstructing the driver’s view, windshield replacement is the only option. If the windshield is very old and damaged at several places, it’s better to replace it.

Your car’s windshield has an important role to play in the safety of your vehicle. Don’t ignore windshield maintenance and fix damages promptly. Small chips and cracks can be easily repaired if done on time. If the problem becomes bigger, an expensive replacement may be your only option. For windshield repairs, visit your nearest garage. You can also get it done during a routine service.

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