Your windshield is kind of a big deal. Can you imagine a ride without it? Bugs and rocks flying at you, impairing your ability to drive. No thanks! Your windshield has multiple functions, such as providing protection from the elements, protecting passengers from injuries, reducing highway noise and blocking UV radiation. A good windshield also offers enhanced driving visibility and ensures proper air bag deployment. Because of this, you want to keep your windshield in tip top shape and take care of your auto glass to avoid the need for repairs (even though we love to see you!) Here are some ways to maintain your auto glass best.

Tip #1: Keep a Safe Distance!

Large trucks, like 18 wheelers or cargo trucks, have the tendency to throw rocks or stones up and out and when they’re going at a certain speed, it could chip or crack your windshield. Additionally, vehicles carrying cargo that are not safely tied down could pose a big problem if anything got loose. This tip isn’t only for your auto glass, but it can also save you, your passengers, and your vehicle as a whole. Maintain a safe distance from these vehicles, especially when there is a lot of traffic or the sun is causing any sort of glare.

Tip #2: Keep Your Auto Glass Clean.

Clean auto glass not only makes sure your  vehicle looks good, but makes sure all materials, like tree sap, debris from the road or bird droppings, are off and helps to preserve the life of the glass. Don’t forget to clean the plastic parts around the windows and roll down your windows halfway so you can get the tops of your windows. Focus extra on your windshield, as that is the window you look out most frequently.

Tip #3: Avoid Harsh Chemicals When Cleaning Your Auto Glass!

Use products specifically made for auto glass when cleaning or waxing your automobile. If it does not say it is glass safe, don’t use it. If you want to make your own, use a bit of vinegar or rubbing alcohol and water. It is suggested that you use microfiber cloths when cleaning your windows to prevent scratching or other damage to your vehicle. Never use any product containing ammonia, it dries out plastic, rubber and vinyl, can dry out your glass and the protective barrier around the glass, and can produce dangerous fumes especially when used in a small space.

Tip #4: Be Gentle! No door slamming!

We all have rough days, and I know slamming that door sometimes feels good, but it can cause a ripple effect, weakening your auto glass over time. A shattered windshield or damaged auto glass will only make your day worse. Make sure to take caution when entering and exiting your vehicle. Remind any family or friends to do the same.

Tip #5: Avoid Direct Sunlight and Protect Your Vehicle by Parking It In a Garage.

Parking your vehicle in your garage or in a shaded spot can help minimize the amount of sun that hits your windshield. This prevents it from heating up and contracting, which can cause chips or cracks. Of course, a garage is also a safe place to protect your windows from storms and any runaway balls that may occur in your yard from the kids playing sports.

Tip #6: Beware of Extreme Temperatures.

In the summer, the interior of your vehicle can get up to very high temperatures. Immediately entering your car and cranking up the air conditioning can cause cracks in your windshield. Extensive heat exposure can also weaken your auto glass. Try parking it in a garage or shaded area or crack a window when you park to allow some of the hot air out. If you are using a hose to clean your vehicle in the summer months, let it run for a bit so the water isn’t too hot on your auto glass. Conversely, never throw boiling water on a frozen windshield unless you want instant cracks and shattering. The best way to defrost your car is to let the defroster and heater do their job. Let the bottom heaters do the work rather than immediately blasting hot air on the cold window.

Tip #7: Have an Ice Scraper Handy

Use a good ice scraper to remove ice from your windows when extreme cold and frost, snow and ice hits. Cheaper ice scrapers can cause damage to your windshield. Make sure you have a quality one ready for when you need it.

Tip #8: Avoid Potholes, Road Debris, Fallen Branches!

Driving over large potholes can crack your auto glass or cause damage to other parts of your vehicle, not just your windshield. Keep a safe distance and avoid this whenever possible.

Tip #9: Maintain Your Windshield Wipers.

Once you notice your windshield wipers are unable to push away all the water on the glass. Not only does this impair your visibility, wipers can wear down far enough where metal is exposed and will damage your auto glass causing fine scratches that won’t go away. The only solution for this is a full auto glass replacement. Also, make sure your windshield wiper fluid is always full and make sure to top it off in winter months so it is easier to clear your windshield of ice.

Tip #10: Take Care When Handling Your Windshield.

If you are planning on getting anything done to your windows or doing it yourself, make sure you are very gentle with the auto glass.

Tip #11: Repair Any Cracks or Chips as Soon as Possible.

When these are left untreated, they can grow and cause bigger damage overall. This can just become a bigger expense if you let cracks and chips remain untreated. Dirt buildup can also make repairing the crack or chip harder. Don’t delay this and get it fixed right away. Give us a call at 877-49-GLASS or contact us online so we can help you out.

As always, it is our mission to ensure that every customer is treated like our own family. If it’s too late for you (hey, life happens!) and you need an auto glass replacement, we’re here to help.