Because the car glass is one of your vehicle’s most important parts, it must be protected and well-maintained. Your visibility depends on the state of your windshield. A scratched and cracked one will make it difficult for you to see the road and drive safely.
Small scratches in the windshield can develop into big cracks over time if they are not repaired soon. That is why it is important to repair them as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will have to deal with bigger cracks later. They are more expensive and more time-consuming to repair.
If you want to remove the scratches yourself, you can do it at home with simple tools and basic skills. There are specific steps you have to follow to get the best results. But before you start the work, make sure you got a car polish or a polishing substance such as Cerium Oxide.
This substance is highly effective and has proven to repair windshields successfully. All of the products recommended above include this substance in their kit, so you won’t have to stress about where you can get Cerium Oxide from.
Additionally, you will need a glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Water is available everywhere. It will be the last component you need before starting the repair process.
Step 1
Before you apply the substance:
- Make sure that the windshield is clean.
- Clean the surface with water and ensure no dust or dirt on it.
- Do not use additional cleaning products because they might interfere with the Cerium Oxide and render it useless.
Move your hand slowly and apply gentle pressure as you wash the windshield. Do not rush this process to ensure the work surface is clean.
Step 2
Analyze the scratch and understand the severity of it. Some are deep while others are thin and are not extended. Pull your nail perpendicularly over the surface where the scratch occurred. If your finger gets stuck, it means it is not that deep, and you can continue to the next step.
But if your finger gets scratched, you are dealing with a big crack that needs to be repaired by an expert. In some cases, your windshield might need complete replacement.
Step 3
To ensure your safety, get some gloves before proceeding with the repairs. If you are ready, apply some polish to your hands and gently rub it on the scratched part of the windshield. This polishing material should cover all the damaged spots and cracks.
It is important for this polishing material to contain Cerium Oxide. This substance creates a physical and chemical reaction that will restore the damaged class. You can read the ingredients on the polish box if you want to learn more about this material.
Step 4
It is an easy step. All you have to do is spray water directly on the polished part. After soaking the surface in water, gently rub the polish completely on the line and scratch the surface with a cotton cloth.
Step 5
For the final step, you should wait 30 minutes and allow the material to dry completely while it sits on the glass. After half an hour passes, wipe the material with water and a cloth which you will also use for rinsing.
If the scratch is still there, repeat all these steps repeatedly until the damage is completely reduced. But if there is no change, you might want to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop and consult a mechanic.
Is repair even an option in my situation?
Most of the time, scratched windshields can be fixed by following certain procedures while using specific tools. Firstly, you have to determine the depth and severity of the problem you are facing. Do a simple test and run your finger over the area.
The windshield can be easily repaired if it doesn’t get stuck because the scratch is not too deep. But if your finger gets stuck, you might consider completely replacing the windshield as the scratch is beyond repair.
What can cause scratches?
Your windshield might get scratched for several reasons, and it is important to identify the cause of this problem. If you know the cause, you can prevent such unfortunate events from happening again.
Damaged ice scrappers
Damaged ice scrappers are one of the most common causes of windshield scratches in cold areas where it snows often. You will need ice scrappers to increase the visibility of your windshield early in the morning after a freezing night. These tools are easy to use and are created to protect the windshield.
But if you use one for a long time, it can get old and damaged. At this point, such a tool is ineffective. Sometimes it can cause scratches on your windshield. Replace this tool at least once a year.
Broken wiper blades
Your windshield’s wipers have a strong surface which will become hardened over time. These wipers can scratch your windshield if you don’t change them when broken. It’s especially when the glass is dry.
Sometimes debris and small pebbles can be trapped inside these wipers. When that happens, scratches can also occur on your windshield as the pebble is pushed against it.
Improper cleaning
You should use only high-quality products when you clean your vehicle. Some tools and sponges can be rough on your windshield, resulting in small but dangerous scratches. Always use a microfiber cloth to clean your windshield to avoid such an inconvenience.
Road debris
As you are driving on the highway, many pieces and debris can end up on your windshield and leave a scratch. Avoid driving behind trucks and heavy vehicles, especially those heavy hauling loads.
