Driving during a blizzard or rainstorm can be challenging, even for experienced drivers. Visibility drops to near zero, and you have to slow down to a crawl. With rain or snow hitting your windshield, you have to drive with an obstructed view. And to make things worse, cars are speeding past you, kicking off dirt and rocks that hit and crack your windshield.
Apart from protection against the elements, windshields also serve another purpose. They support your car roof and provide much-needed integrity to the car body. It also serves as a backstop for deployed airbags. When an airbag is deployed, it bounces off the surface to protect the person from hitting the windshield. Your windshield can’t do its job if it’s damaged, which is why you need auto glass repair.
1. Replace the wipers
Swap out worn windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. If you leave your car out in the sun often, regularly go on long-distance drives, or live in a place where it rains a lot, you might have to replace the wiper blades more often.
Wiper blades don’t last forever, but frequent use and exposure to the elements can increase wear and tear. A worn wiper blade can damage your windshield, so replace them often. It’s cheaper to buy a spare wiper blade than a new windshield.
2. Wipe the windshield down every chance you get
As you drive, dirt, pollen, and insect residue will slowly build up on the windshield surface. Not only will it impair your visibility, but it can also damage the surface of the glass.
Every time small debris such as pebbles and dirt hit the surface, they slowly chip away at the glass, making it more susceptible to shattering. Clean the windshield every chance you get, whether at home or a gas station.
3. Apply rain repellent
Waxing the windshield helps protect against damage from UV rays, water, and debris. But only apply an appropriate amount on your windshield. Apply too much, and the excess wax will get caught in the blades and smear across the surface.
For added protection, you can also apply rain repellent to make the water slide off the surface faster. The treatment also reduces glare, helpful for driving against the sun.
4. Install a deflector
A deflector, also known as a bug guard, protects your windshield from windshield splatters. With a deflector in place, insects will hit the guard first instead of hitting the glass directly, resulting in fewer splatters on the windshield. Fewer splatters also mean that your windshield will stay relatively debris-free, improving your visibility and minimizing damage from constant impact.
5. Have it inspected
If you get your car inspected, tell the mechanic to include the windshield and windows as well. They can check for the presence of microabrasions, chips, and cracks that threaten the integrity of the glass. They will also advise whether the glass needs waxing or replacement.
These guidelines will help you keep your windshield clean and protected. While there’s not much you can do to protect the glass from wear and tear, you can prevent damage. And once the glass is damaged, you need to get it replaced immediately.
