How to Maintain Your Windshield

We do a lot to maintain our cars – getting them serviced, washed, detailed, etc. Unfortunately, many people often neglect to give their car’s windshield the proper care. It’s one of the most vulnerable parts of a vehicle, so paying close attention to it can really make a difference. Windshield maintenance is much more than finding the right car windshield cleaner to help you see the road clearly.

Let’s go over some of the many ways to keep yours in the best shape!

The Importance of a Good Windshield

Your windshield is arguably the most important part of your vehicle, so it’s essential to take the best care of it. As the name suggests, it shields you from the wind and other elements. Without it, you’d have dirt, debris, and rain flying in your face as you drive.

Having a windshield in good condition gives you a crystal clear view of the road and keeps you safe from UV rays and other flying objects. Cracked, dirty, or damaged windshields can put you in a lot of danger as you drive.

Best Ways to Maintain Your Car’s Windshield

Your windshield may be durable, but it isn’t indestructible. It can start to take some damage over time and may need to be replaced if you don’t maintain it properly. Below are some of the best ways to ensure your windshield can protect you for a long time.

Don’t Drive too Closely Behind Another Vehicle

Following too closely behind another vehicle will put your windshield at a greater risk of dings, chips, and cracks. The tires from the car in front of you can propel items on the road straight toward your windshield. You’ll also want to keep a greater distance between you and trucks that are towing items in case pieces of debris fly from them.

Try to Avoid Excess Heat

Parking in the shade in the middle of summer does more than keep your car’s interior cooler. The heat from the sun on your windshield can cause damage and make it more susceptible to breaking by putting unnecessary stress on it. Drastic temperature changes can also impact your windshield, such as pouring hot water on the outside of it on a cold winter day.

Keep Your Windshield Clean

You’d be surprised to know that a clean windshield can have a much longer lifespan! Not only does a dirty windshield reduce your visibility as you’re driving, but it could also become damaged from small chips or cracks. Over time, they become bigger until they cause your windshield to break. Make sure to keep yours clean with the right cleaning products to increase its longevity.

Immediately Repair Chips

Small chips in your windshield might not seem like a big deal, but you want to get those repaired as soon as possible. As previously mentioned, leaving small cracks in your windshield will result in them growing into larger ones. This becomes dangerous as it can impair your vision on the road, and you might also need to replace the entire windshield if it becomes too bad.

Replace Poor Wiper Blades

Poor windshield wiper blades don’t just make it harder for you to see the road when it’s raining. If yours are old and worn out, it’ll start to put excess pressure on parts of the windshield. This, along with many other factors, can weaken the glass and make it more vulnerable to cracks and chips. Most automotive manufacturers recommend replacing your windshield wiper blades every six months.

Don’t Slam Your Car Doors

Next time you’re frustrated about something, think twice about slamming your car door. This will send vibrations through the windows, which can weaken them the more you do it. Make sure to close your doors and trunk gently if you don’t want to deal with windshield repairs or replacements down the road.

Take Care of Your Car with the Right Car Windshield Cleaner

Fortunately, it doesn’t require too much effort to take care of your car windshield. Keeping yours in the best shape can increase its lifespan while keeping you safe on the road. Remember these tips if you want to avoid costly repairs!