Effective Ways To Protect And Maintain Your Car’s Windshield

When you look at a car, one of the first noticeable features is the windshield. The windshield of a car isn’t just for beauty, it provides a protective role to the occupants of the car. The windshield is the glass in front of a vehicle, which provides visibility for the driver and also protects the occupants from the element. Unlike regular glass found in your home, a car’s windshield is manufactured differently to enhance strength and durability. This is why the windshield doesn’t shatter into a thousand pieces in the event of an accident. Knowing how important a windshield is to a vehicle and its occupants, it becomes necessary that it is well maintained and protected to be in its best state. Carmart.ng brings you effective ways to maintain and protect your car’s windshield.

DRIVE SAFELY ON BAD ROADS

Usually gravel, stones etc don’t fly in the air. However, your driving habits can throw them up in the air, such that they can possibly land on your vehicle’s windshield. It is necessary to drive safely and slowly on untarred and other bad roads to avoid throwing up stones in the air. 

MAINTAIN A SAFE DISTANCE FROM VEHICLES IN FRONT OF YOU, ESPECIALLY CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES

Construction vehicles carrying stones, rocks, sand etc could pose a serious threat to you and your windshield. This is because they could easily throw up sands, stones, rocks etc which could injure you or cause cracks to your windshield. Also, there is a possibility that the cargo tied to the vehicle isn’t well secured which could easily fall off. Therefore, when driving on the road, especially during traffic, ensure to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD REGULARLY

The windshield of a vehicle provides visibility, and it’s constantly exposed to the elements. The windshield is highly exposed to dirt and other debris that could affect its durability long-term. Hence, always ensure to clean the windshield regularly. 

AVOID PARKING YOUR CAR UNDER DIRECT SUNLIGHT

The windshield is made of glass and can be affected by temperature. Temperature changes cause contraction and expansion of the windshield, which can damage it. Parking under direct sunlight results in severe expansion which could lead to cracks. Endeavour to park under shades if you have to leave your car out for a while.

AVOID HARMFUL CHEMICALS WHEN CLEANSING YOUR CAR’S WINDSHIELD

Certain chemicals can weaken the protective barrier around your windshield, and eventually damage it. When cleaning your windshield, use clean water, a bit of vinegar or running alcohol. Avoid using products that contain ammonia because they are capable of drying out rubber, vinyl, plastic and also gradually wear off the protective layer on the windshield.

GENTLING SHUT YOUR DOOR

In most cases, a car’s windshield doesn’t get damaged suddenly. It takes a while for full-blown damage to show. Frequently slamming your car door shut gradually weakens the windshield, and can cause it to have cracks sometimes in the future.

USE QUALITY ICE SCRAPERS

If you live in a location that is prone to heavy snow and/or frost, then you need to have an ice scraper handy. When shopping for ice scrapers, avoid buying cheap, low-quality ones as they could easily cause cracks to your windshield when you use them. 

OBSERVE YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS

Windshield wipers, if not maintained, could damage your windshield. Once you notice your windshield wipers don’t effectively wipe off water to clear your visibility, then you might need to change it. When this happens, there is a tendency for your wipers are not evenly distributing pressure on your windshield; implying some parts are under more pressure. If this continues, there could be damage to your windshield. Also, windshield wipers can wear off so much that some metals can become exposed that can cause breaks and cracks to your windshield.

REPAIR WHEN NECESSARY

Damages and cracks on the windshield call for repair or total replacement. Once your windshield starts hindering your visibility or gets serious cracks, replace it as soon as possible.

CONCLUSION

Windshields are a vital part of a vehicle. It is important that it is well maintained and protected.