Windshield maintenance is often overlooked by most car owners. However, auto glass plays an important role in your vehicle's safety, and improperly caring for it can cause damage as well as compromise its integrity in a way that isn't always visible.
One important way to protect your windshield is to check your wipers often. The rubber blades may crack and separate from the metal on older wipers. This condition can cause the metal to scrape the glass when the mechanism is in use, causing a screeching noise and scratching or weakening the glass. Inspecting wipers regularly for signs of wear is best. This way, you'll know when to replace them with new, high quality blades - before scratching can occur.
Whenever a vehicle's windshield is covered with a large amount of ice or snow, it is important to slowly warm the glass with the car or truck's defroster before scraping. While scrapers are an effective method of removing ice, they can scratch a windshield when used improperly. Avoid putting the heat or defroster on full blast in extreme cold. The temperature differential on both sides of the glass can weaken it, making it more likely to crack.
Extreme heat in the summer may also compromise the integrity of the windshield if it is not treated with care. Before washing a vehicle, make sure it has not been in direct sunlight for a long time. Cold water applied to the glass while it is very hot can also serve to weaken the glass.
Car covers can be a great way to protect a vehicle from outside elements, but they must be used correctly. Improper removal, installation or an ill fitting cover can damage the vehicle's paint as well as scratch the windshield. There are many different types of car covers available. Many are designed to protect the vehicle from certain elements such as dust or moisture. It is important for the vehicle owner to choose a specific type that will fit their needs and be careful to use the cover only in the situations or conditions that it is designed for.
Of course, it's important to keep auto glass clean throughout the year. While clean glass certainly contributes to safety by making it easier to see, it also helps prevent scratching and also will allow you to spot any damage more quickly. You'll want to keep an eye out for even slight damage, because any blemish potentially compromises the safety of your vehicle. If a crack, chink or chip should appear, it is important to get the windshield repaired or replaced right away by a reputable auto glass company.
