Having a clear windscreen is crucial for safe driving, yet many car owners need to give their windshield the care it needs. Over time, small chips and cracks can develop into major damage, compromising visibility and even the structural integrity of the vehicle.
In this article, we will learn why proper windscreen maintenance matters and following some best practices, drivers can prolong the life of this vital component. Read on for tips on keeping your car windscreen in good shape.
The Role of the Windscreen
A car’s windscreen serves several key functions. Firstly, it protects vehicle occupants from wind, debris, insects, and other hazards while driving. It also provides an unobstructed view of the road ahead for the driver. Additionally, the car windscreen is a structural component, helping to support the vehicle’s roof and prevent collapse in a roll-over accident.
For all these safety reasons, it is crucial to address any windscreen damage right away and perform routine maintenance. Let’s look at some specific steps:
1.Regular Cleaning
One of the easiest ways to care for your windscreen is to clean it thoroughly on a regular basis. Allowing dirt, grime, sap, and dead insects to accumulate can make seeing out difficult. Additionally, debris stuck to the glass can get ground into tiny abrasions on the surface over time.
Get into the habit of clearing off your car windscreen each time you stop to refuel. To clean your windscreen effectively, you can spray some glass cleaner and wipe the entire surface of the windscreen. It is important to pay special attention to the edges and lower corners where debris tends to accumulate.
Besides cleaning the outside, you’ll also want to keep the inside surface of the windscreen free of fogging and film. Wipe the full interior with a glass cleaning product to remove smoke residue, vapour, and dust.
2.Replacing Wiper Blades
The windscreen wipers play an important backup role in maintaining clear visibility. If the rubber wiper blades become worn and degraded, they will start to streak across the windscreen instead of wiping cleanly. This makes driving in the rain or snow dangerous due to reduced visibility.
Plan to replace your wiper blades about every six months. Signs that they need swapping include:
- Squeaking noises.
- Sticking to the windscreen surface.
- Visible cracks in the rubber.
- Streaky wiping performance.
Installing new wiper blades takes only minutes and is inexpensive preventative maintenance.
3.Prompt Chip Repair
Flying residue on the road can hit your car windscreen hard enough to create chips or cracks on the glass surface, despite your best efforts to avoid it. If left untreated, these damages can become worse over time due to vibration and additional impacts. In such cases, full windscreen replacement may be necessary.
It’s highly recommended to address small chips on your car windscreen as soon as possible to avoid expensive replacement costs. You can consult an automotive glass specialist to explore options for repairing small, localised chips and cracks up to one inch long.
Knowing When to Replace
Though chips and short cracks can often be repaired successfully, in some cases, full car windscreen replacement is necessary to restore safety and integrity. Common signs that the windscreen is too far gone include:
- Multiple crack lines extending over two inches.
- Cracks running from an edge across the field of view.
- Sections where two cracks intersect.
- Evidence the windscreen glass has lost structural strength.
Don’t take chances with severely compromised windscreens that exhibit any of the above issues. The trained technicians at AIS Glass can assess the damage and help determine whether repair or replacement is the right solution for your car.
Conclusion
Your car’s windscreen is essential for your visibility and safety while driving. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your wiper blades can prevent damage. Seek expert help if you notice any harm. Protect your windscreen by using a car windshield protector. Contact AIS Glass to assess any damage to your windscreen and to discuss the best options for repair or replacement.