Want to know 5 ways you can damage your auto glass? Most people don’t realize that taking good care of your auto glass can protect it from being damaged and it will also have a better chance of lasting without having to get any repairs or work done to it.

At Auto Glass Doc we understand that taking care of your auto glass can be a task that gets pushed to the side and forgotten about, but it’s time to get a handle on it. Simple auto glass maintenance and preventative measures can do wonders for your auto glass and can eliminate a trip to your local auto glass shop.

We want to give you a few tips to get you ahead of the game. Here are the 5 ways you can damage your auto glass:

1.) You’re Neglecting Your Auto Glass

In a 6 month span, how often would you say you cleaned your windshield or other parts of the glass on your vehicle? If your answer is never it’s time to make some simple changes. The 1st out of the 5 ways you can damage you windshield is neglecting it. Cleaning your auto glass every few weeks can be surprisingly nurturing for your glass, especially the windshield. Thoroughly cleaning your auto glass can prevent dirt and debris from leaving scratches anywhere on the glass.

The most popular place dirt and debris will hide is under your wiper blades on the windshield and back window of your car. If you let dirt and grime add up on your windshield it can be difficult to see while driving and can damage your windshield depending on how abrasive it is. Taking one day out of the month can be a game changer for your auto glass and it will ensure that dirt, dust and debris stays away.

2.) Parking Your Car In Unsafe Areas

For many vehicle owners, parking safely doesn’t always come to mind when leaving your car overnight at a friends house, or even near a park. We naturally think our vehicle will be fine and go about our day. What many people don’t think about are the potential things that can happen including flying baseballs, falling tree branches, and even break-ins and vandalism.

To properly protect your auto glass you can:

• Park your car in a garage or covered area.
• Remove all of your belongings from your vehicle to decrease the risk of a break in.
• Be mindful of where you park if there are soccer games, baseball games, etc. taking place.
• Park in large open lots.
•  Park in your driveway rather than the street.

3.) Not Being Aware of Temperature Changes

It’s inevitable that we can’t control the weather and it’s unexpected temperature changes but in order to protect you auto glass during these times you can start doing these simple things to help:

• Any sudden temperature change can stress the auto glass which can potentially cause it to crack.
• Stop cranking the AC or heat right when you turn on your car.
• If you have a garage park your car there as much as possible in the winter.
•  Putting a windshield cover on to keep your vehicle’s temperature cool

4.) You Aren’t Using the Proper Cleaner

When it comes to your auto glass it’s important to know that you can’t just pick up a bottle of off brand cleaner you found on sale at your local grocery store. A lot of household glass cleaners contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia that can affect the seals around your vehicle windows.

Did you know cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals can deteriorate those seals, weakening the bond between the glass and your vehicle? To avoid a leaky windshield (and potentially, a full windshield replacement), only use glass cleaning products that are specifically formulated for auto glass.

5.) Winter Weather: Using Your Ice Scraper the Wrong Way

Ice can be incredibly damaging to your vehicle’s auto glass. Every winter we hope for the best which means no snow or ice. Realistically some are going to see it more than once over the winter months. With that being said, it’s important to know how to correctly use an ice scraper or maybe even use a different alternative, de-icer spray.

After a night of snow and ice it’s to be expected that there is going to be a sheet over your windshield. If you are having trouble getting the ice off don’t keep scraping away. By continuously scraping at your auto glass you are at risk of scratching the glass.

If you would like to eliminate the hassle of scraping ice off of your windshield in the freezing cold, grab some De-icer spray and gently use the ice scraper to help with tough spots. After you use the De-icer spray, run your wipers through the icy windshields and let them take care of the rest. Not only will this save you time in the morning but it can prevent your windshield from being scratched.

You’re All Set

Now that you are aware of the things that can potentially damage your auto glass you are all set. At Auto Glass Doc we want you to know all of the do’s and don’ts when it comes to your auto glass, from installation to taking care of it after it’s installed. From auto glass repairs, to advise on how to treat your glass, we are always here to help. Check out our website for more information on all of our services and let the professionals take care of the rest.