Auto Glass Maintenance: 8 Care Tips to Keep Windshields in Top Condition

The windshield on your car plays a vital role in your safety by giving you a clear view of the road while keeping dangerous debris away from the driver and passengers. It also ensures that your air bags function properly if you are involved in an accident.

While your windshield is one of the most vital components of your car, it is also one of the most neglected. Many car owners do little more than hit the washer button when it gets dirty. Adding these auto glass care tips to your routine will ensure that your windshield stays clear of cracks that threaten your safety on the road.

It seems that the first rainstorm of the season often leads to empty shelves in the windshield wiper section. However, you should change yours long before they fail to clear the rain. Dirty or broken windshield wipers create tiny scratches on your auto glass that can eventually turn into bigger damage that obscures your vision.

That sunny summer day may seem like the best time to wash your windshield. However, heat stresses auto glass, and putting cold water on it can generate pressure that expands cracks and divots. If possible, wait until a cooler day, or use the washer fluid in your car that is already at a similar temperature.

Tailgating is just unsafe in general, but it also puts you in close proximity to road debris that is thrown by the leading vehicle's tires. Creating more space between you and the vehicle in front gives more room for rocks and other road hazards to fall to the ground before they hit your vehicle.

There are some vehicles on the road that are more likely to throw large rocks and gravel. For instance, any vehicle with more than four tires has extra space to pick up rocks. Trucks with large tires usually have mud flaps that help keep the threat down, but you should never rely on them since many are torn or ineffective.

Once a crack forms, it is important to protect it from further damage until you can get it repaired. Avoid bumpy roads that jostle the auto glass, and ask your passengers to avoid slamming the car doors. If possible, avoid washing the area because flushing dirt and water into the crack can cause it to expand.

Hail damage to your windshield might not always be preventable if you are stuck on the road or in an open parking lot. However, you can minimize the damage by trying to park your car in covered areas when foul weather is coming. If you are stuck on the road, drive slower to minimize the amount of hail that hits your vehicle.

Major temperature fluctuations generate pressure within the cracks that cause them to expand. Avoid blasting your heater or air conditioner, and avoid parking your car in the direct sunlight. Drastic differences between the interior air in your car and the outdoor temperature can cause your windshield glass to shatter.

Life gets busy, and it is easy to ignore a minor ding when it doesn't obscure your vision. Unfortunately, these little cracks can quickly escalate into a major crack across the whole windshield that requires replacement. Prompt repair of minor flaws can save you from more extensive repairs later.

Your windshield protects you every day, and it should be given the same care as the rest of your car. At Perfection Auto Glass, we can even come to you so don't put off an auto glass repair when you can contact us today.