Most car owners remember to care for their car’s windshield way after it starts to incur visible damage. Ensuring that your car’s windshield is well taken care of and serviced is essential not only for your safety but also extends the lifespan of your windshield. Due to its significant function, windshields can get damaged from time to time.
If your windshield is damaged, the most important thing to do is take it to a reputable professional who can repair or replace the glass. Fortunately, Glass.Net is the simple to use network search explicitly designed for windshield replacement and repair services. You also get to choose the price and services that fit your needs. You can get appropriate tools to fix your windshield yourself if it has small chips or cracks.
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What Are Some Standard Maintenance Tips For Your Windshield
For your windshield to stand the test of time, a simple swipe of a dirty cloth is not enough to maintain this component. Follow these simple ways to maintain your windshield and save your money:
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Clean Your Windshield Regularly
Leaving dead bugs, pollen, and dirt on the windshield is hazardous. They weaken your visibility and compromise the quality of the glass. The following are a few tips to consider when cleaning your windshield:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning your windshield as it may cause discoloration and strip away the protective coating
- If you do not have a cleaning solution, you can make one right away by using a water and vinegar solution
- Always use a microfiber towel or cloth to wipe or clean the windshield as it doesn’t leave streaks or scratches that gradually reduce visibility.
- Cleaning agents containing ammonia are not available to use as it dries vinyl and plastic. All good products available for windshield maintenance do not contain ammonia
- Always have your windshield cleaner with you because you might not know when to clean your windshield
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Avoid Parking Under Direct Sunlight
Parking your vehicle under the harmful rays of the sun can be detrimental to your windshield. Drastic temperature changes will cause your car’s glass to expand and contract and render the windshield brittle and cause cracks. An existing crack could further spread due to the temperature change. Glass tints are also sensitive to UV rays and could get damaged. It is advisable to park your car in a shaded area whenever possible.
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Inspect And Replace Wiper Blades Regularly
Wipers are subject to harsh weather conditions over time, even when not in use. Its subjection to these weather conditions causes a lot of wear and tear and debris moisture, and eventually, the wipers start malfunctioning. The following are some things you need to look for when inspecting wiper blades:
- Metal corrosion seen at joints and claws
- A broken frame or frame arm detachment at connection points
- Evident tears, cracks, and missing pieces of the rubber squeegee
- The wiper blade should be tightly installed on the wiper ar
- Check the flexibility of the rubber squeegee
When windshield wipers start to squeak, chatter, skip or smear, you need to change it immediately. Ensure that you properly clean the wiper blades with the windshield wiper fluid to avoid scratches on the glass every time the wipers run across the windshield. It is recommended to replace your wipers every six months to a year.
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Avoid Slamming Doors
Slamming doors can create a serious impact not only on your car but also on your windshield. Closing your car door too hard causes vibrations inside the car, weakening the side windows and the windshield. Furthermore, if your glass already has minor nicks, chips, or cracks, it could grow and worsen. It is advisable to close the door gently every time.
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Don’t Leave Chips Or Cracks Unrepaired
Small rocks or foreign objects hitting the windshield might chip or crack it or even form bubbles between the glass layers. The development of these chips or cracks can cause a significant impact if left unrepaired. With time, they could spread in size and compromise the driver’s line of sight leading to accidents.
A broken windshield ceases to support the car’s roof during an accident and hinders airbag deployment as well. It is important to take such circumstances critically as a windscreen replacement is more costly than a glass repair.
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Maintain A Safe Distance
Following too closely behind other vehicles can be a disaster for your windshield because the other driver’s tires can easily kick up road debris that can hit your windshield. However small the tiny pebbles are, they carry enough speed to break, chip, or crack the windshield.
When driving, ensure you give yourself an adequate distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Moreover, it also gives you more reaction time in case of anything.
Maintain Your Windshield
Your windshield is an indispensable part of your car. Don’t compromise your safety. Regular car maintenance and services are crucial. Some repair and prevention tasks are well within your skill and can save you the hassle and expenses of going to the shop. Likewise, knowing a little more about the issues that create safety hazards for your windshield and how to respond to them by seeking appropriate professional repairs is paramount.