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How to Maintain Your Vehicle’s Windshield and Windows

Writer's picture: modernfleetrepairmodernfleetrepair

Taking care of your vehicle’s windshield and windows is an essential part of car maintenance. Clean and undamaged glass helps you see the road clearly and ensures your safety while driving. Plus, it makes your car look better. Here’s how to properly maintain your windshield and windows, and prevent any costly repairs.


1. Keep Your Windshield and Windows Clean


Dust, dirt, and road debris can quickly build up on your windshield and windows, reducing visibility. Regular cleaning is a simple way to keep your glass in good shape.


  • Use a proper glass cleaner: Avoid household cleaners like ammonia-based products, as they can damage your car’s tint or rubber seals. Instead, use a cleaner specifically designed for auto glass.

  • Clean in the shade: When cleaning your windshield, it’s better to do it in the shade or on a cloudy day. Direct sunlight can cause the cleaner to dry too fast, leaving streaks behind.

  • Use microfiber cloths: For best results, use microfiber cloths to wipe your windshield and windows. They’re soft and won’t scratch the glass. Paper towels can leave lint behind, and using rough materials can cause tiny scratches.


Make sure you clean both the inside and outside of the windshield. The inside can build up a film from dust, smoke, or condensation, which can distort your view, especially at night.


2. Check Your Wiper Blades Regularly


Wiper blades are crucial for keeping your windshield clear in bad weather. However, they wear out over time, becoming less effective or even damaging your windshield. Old or cracked blades can leave streaks or even scratch the glass.


  • Inspect the wipers: Check your wiper blades at least once a month for signs of wear, such as cracks or fraying. If they’re not wiping the windshield clean or if they make noise, it’s time to replace them.

  • Replace them yearly: Most experts recommend changing your wiper blades every six to twelve months, depending on how often you use them. Some cars have rear wipers too, so don’t forget to check those as well.

  • Use the right size: When replacing wipers, make sure you buy the right size for your car. The wrong size can either miss parts of the windshield or damage the wiper arm.


3. Keep Your Windshield Washer Fluid Topped Off


Windshield washer fluid helps remove dirt, bugs, and other debris from your windshield while driving. It’s important to keep this fluid topped off so you can clean your windshield on the go.


  • Check fluid levels regularly: Check your washer fluid level once a month, especially before long trips. It’s easy to forget about this fluid until you really need it.

  • Use the right fluid: In colder months, use a washer fluid with anti-freeze properties to prevent it from freezing in the lines. In warmer months, regular fluid should work just fine. Don’t use plain water as it doesn’t clean as well and can freeze in winter.

  • Clean the washer nozzles: If your windshield washer fluid sprays unevenly, the nozzles may be clogged. Use a pin or needle to gently clean the nozzles and restore a proper spray pattern.


4. Fix Chips and Cracks Immediately


Chips and cracks in your windshield can happen from flying debris like rocks or gravel on the road. Even small chips can turn into large cracks if not taken care of, which can compromise the strength of your windshield.


  • Repair chips quickly: Small chips can often be repaired without replacing the whole windshield. There are DIY kits available, or you can take your car to a professional. It’s much cheaper to fix a chip early on than to wait for it to spread into a crack.

  • Replace if necessary: If a crack is larger than a dollar bill, it’s time to replace the windshield. Driving with a cracked windshield is not only dangerous but can also be illegal in some states.

  • Avoid extreme temperatures: Rapid changes in temperature can cause a chip or crack to worsen. For example, if you pour hot water on a frosted windshield, the sudden heat can expand a small chip into a large crack. Always use your defroster to warm up your windshield slowly in cold weather.


5. Protect Your Glass From the Sun


Sunlight can cause long-term damage to your windshield and windows. UV rays can weaken the glass and cause your dashboard and interior to fade. To protect your windshield and windows from the sun:


  • Use a windshield sunshade: A sunshade helps block harmful UV rays and keeps the interior of your car cooler. It also protects your dashboard and prevents your windshield from being exposed to intense heat.

  • Park in the shade: Whenever possible, park your car in a garage or under a tree to shield it from the sun. This also helps prevent your windshield from experiencing extreme temperature changes, which can lead to cracks.

  • Tint your windows: Window tinting can block a significant amount of UV rays, protecting both your windows and your car’s interior. Just make sure the tint is legal in your state, as some places have restrictions on how dark you can go.


6. Avoid Using Harsh Tools or Chemicals


Scraping ice or frost off your windshield in the winter can be tricky. But using the wrong tools or chemicals can damage the glass. Here’s how to do it safely:


  • Use a plastic scraper: Never use a metal scraper to remove ice from your windshield, as it can scratch the glass. Stick to plastic ice scrapers or a defroster to get the job done.

  • Avoid harsh de-icers: Some de-icing chemicals can be too strong and damage your windshield over time. Look for products that are safe for auto glass.

  • Defrost slowly: In cold weather, always use your car’s defroster to warm up the windshield before scraping. This helps loosen the ice and makes it easier to remove without damaging the glass.


Conclusion


Maintaining your windshield and windows is essential for safety and clear visibility while driving. Regular cleaning, checking wiper blades, topping off washer fluid, and repairing chips or cracks promptly can all help extend the life of your car’s glass. By taking care of your vehicle’s windshield and windows, you’ll avoid costly repairs and keep your car looking great for years to come.

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