Windshield scratches are a typical problem. Nearly every windshield is vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including flying objects, worn-out wipers, or just plain bad luck. Although these scratches might be annoying and make driving more difficult, don’t worry—with the appropriate methods, you can restore the clarity and condition of your windshield.
In this post, you will discover the various kinds of windshield scratches and the significance of keeping your windshield clear. We’ll walk you through determining the extent of scratches and offer efficient ways to fix them. Continue reading!
Clear Windshields and Safe Driving
You are unaware of how much a clear windshield contributes to your safety and driving pleasure until it gets damaged.
An intact windshield offers a clear view of the road ahead while driving. This is very important for you to drive safely. However, even minor scratches can affect your vision. These damages scatter light when it falls on them and cause a momentary glare, which might lead to accidents.
A windshield repair or replacement immediately can reduce safety risks.
Understanding Windshield Scratches
Windshield scratches are shallow and only impact the outer layer of the windshield. The following can cause these scratches:
1. Defective Wiper Blades
Wear and tear can cause the soft rubber lining of windshield wipers to disappear. When a hardened wiper travels across your windshield, whether or not there is dust trapped beneath it, scratches can result.
2. Improper Cleaning
An abrasive or dirty cloth can scratch your windshield, especially when scrubbing forcefully or using harsh cleaning agents. Additionally, improper cleaning tools or methods can grind dirt particles against the glass, creating micro-scratches that accumulate over time and degrade visibility.
3. Road Debris and Stray Branches
When flying stones, pebbles, garbage, or even a stray branch strikes your windshield, it can cause significant scratches that, if ignored, could get worse over time. Particularly when they occur at high speeds, these collisions can result in deeper gouges as well as small surface scratches, raising the possibility of more significant windshield damage.
Assess the Severity of Scratches
You can assess how severe the scratches are and choose to repair or replace the windshields.
| Method of Assessment | Type of Scratch | Course of Action |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Inspection | Run your fingernails across the scratch
|
|
| Location |
|
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However, it is better to get a professional assessment of your windshield scratches.
DIY Methods to Remove Windshield Scratches
Many vehicle owners turn to DIY methods for a cost-effective solution to windshield scratches. Always keep in mind that these work for superficial scratches.
1. Glass Scrub Compound
This glass cleaner gets rid of scratches. Apply a small amount of the compound to the scratch and rub it in with a microfiber cloth. Continue doing this until the itch goes away. Do not forget to mist the area with water to avoid drying out.
2. Toothpaste
You can use whitening toothpaste with baking soda to cover small scratches. Put a small amount of toothpaste on the lesion and massage it in. Remove any extra toothpaste by wiping. Continue doing this until the scratch is completely gone.
3. Clear Acrylic Nail Polish
This comes in handy for shallow scratches. You apply a layer of nail polish on the scratch and wipe off the excess with a damp cloth.
4. Acrylic Scratch Remover
The liquid acrylic scratch remover fills the scratch and dries into a transparent coating covering the damage.
You can approach auto glass technicians for professional repair if you cannot fix your windshield scratch with home remedies.
Using a Scratch Repair Kit
You can go to a local auto glass shop, where they will use a glass repair kit with Cerum oxide.
Here is how to remove windshield scratches with this kit.
- Clean the windshield of dirt and debris. Pat dry using a microfiber cloth.
- Apply the cerium oxide to the scratch. View the scratch from a 45-degree angle, and if you can see a dark area, you know that the scratch is filled.
- You can remove air pockets by slightly pressing the side and center of the scratch.
The same methods also remove tiny scratches caused by worn-out wipers.
Fixing Deep Scratches on the Windshield
DIY solutions can suffice for minor scratches, as these tend to affect only the surface of the glass and can be polished away with relative ease. However, if you are wondering how to fix deep scratches on a windshield, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Evaluate the Damage: Take a close look at the scuff to ascertain its depth. It might need to be professionally repaired if the scratch is deep enough to catch your fingernail or to noticeably alter the light streaming through the glass.
- Seek Professional Assistance: It’s essential to speak with an auto glass professional about deep scratches. They are able to evaluate the degree of the harm and decide if a complete windshield replacement or repair is required.
- Consider a Windshield Replacement: This can be the wisest course of action if the safety of the windshield is compromised by deep scratches. This reduces the possibility of future damage or accidents brought on by poor visibility and guarantees the structural integrity of your car.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Windshield Scratches
You can prevent scratches from damaging your windshield.
- Windshield wipers need to be replaced as soon as they wear out and remember to wet the windshield before using a wiper. Also, keep the wiper fluid reservoir filled fully.
- Using the right cloth and the right cleaner to clean your windshields can minimize the appearance of scratches.
- To avoid scratches, park your car in an enclosed space.
- Maintain a safe driving distance to keep flying debris from harming your windshield.
- You can use plastic scrapers to remove ice from your windshield.
- Fix small scratches immediately to prevent them from spreading.
Conclusion
Windshield scratches can be made to appear less noticeable, but they can never completely disappear. It can be really annoying to look through dings in your windshield while driving.
Vision obstruction poses a risk to your safety and the safety of your passengers. Larger and deeper scratches on the windshield require replacement, but smaller ones may usually be repaired.
If you are looking for a trusted and reliable auto glass company in Florida for windshield repair or replacement, look no further than Auto Glass America. Join 70k customers and take advantage of their premium same-day doorstep windshield replacement with a lifetime guarantee offer. Contact us now!
