The Benefits of Mobile Windshield Repair

Auto Glass 101: 3 Essential Maintenance Tips Everyone Should Know

19 July 2016 by Andrew Jackson

The windshield on your vehicle is a very important aspect of your car. It might not seem like a huge deal, but that precious auto glass protects you from the elements. They also protect you—and other passengers—in the event of a collision.

Like anything else in your vehicle, your windshield requires maintenance to prolong its life and effectiveness. Fortunately, auto glass maintenance is easy. By implementing these three tips, you'll ensure that your windshield protects you for many years:

1. Be Mindful With Snow and Ice

If you live in a region with snow and ice, it is important that you deal with it appropriately. One wrong move can easily cause your windshield to crack or break, so tread carefully. Ideally, you should only use ice scrapers that are designed to be used on glass. Avoid using anything makeshift, such as a credit card or a metal spatula. While these items will certainly remove the buildup of snow and ice, they may also cause damage to your fragile auto glass. Even if the glass doesn't crack, you'll likely have to deal with scratches.

In addition, make sure you never pour warm or hot water onto the windshield. While this might seem like an easy way to melt stubborn ice, it's a terrible idea. Warm or hot water on freezing glass will likely cause it to crack or shatter. So avoid using water, regardless of its temperature, to remove snow or ice from the glass.

2. Avoid Ammonia

Cleaning your windshield is a must. Not only will a clean windshield prolong its life, it will also make it easier to see through. Although you might be tempted to clean the auto glass with a household cleaner, you should avoid doing so. Many household cleaners contain ammonia, which can wreak havoc on your vehicle. Ammonia dries out plastic, which can make your windshield loose and this can be a huge problem. So instead of using household cleaners, use a cleaner designed for auto glass. If you are in a pinch, read the labels of your cleaners and pick one that states it is ammonia free.

3. Repair Cracks and Chips

Finally, make sure you clean any cracks or chips that you see quickly. Attending to these issues quickly will help to prolong the life of your auto glass. It will also be cheaper, as you won't have to pay for a replacement windshield. Additionally, it will make your driving experience a lot safer as you won't have to strain to look through cracks, holes, or chips.

Maintaining your auto glass might seem like a difficult task, but it doesn't have to be. With these three tips, you'll be able to enjoy the safety of your windshield for many years to come. If you do run into an issue, take your car to an auto glass repair professional. These professionals can examine the glass and repair any issues that might be present.

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