Scratch Removal or Windshield Replacement?
Do you need a windshield replacement or can scratches in the glass be polished out?
The issue of scratches in the front windshield is a question that seems to come up on occasion in the auto glass replacement business. In short, the answer is sometimes the scratches in the windshield can be polished out but if they are too deep then you will need to replace the glass. Here’s a good test to determine if scratches in a windshield are too deep for repair. Simply drag the back of your fingernail over the scratches and if the ridges can be felt without too much pressure then it’s safe to say it’s time for a new windshield.
What causes scratches in the front windshield?
The biggest offender is the metal edge of the wiper blade. This is something that caused me to need a windshield replacement. Inspect your wiper blades monthly and replace any that appear to be worn out or starting to wear out. Taking this step is a lot less expensive than paying for a new front windshield.
Here are some tips to help avoid scratching your windshield:
- Clean your windshield – If your windshield is extremely dirty try to rinse it off prior to turning on the wiper blades. Wiper blades are there to help keep the windshield clean but if you use them to clean an extremely dirty windshield you could damage the wiper blades and possibly scratch the glass by pushing the dirt around.
- Use your wiper fluid – If it’s not raining and you plan to turn on the wipers be sure to use wiper fluid. Dry wiper blades can trap small dust particles and other debris which can cause scratches.
- Replace your wiper blades – If your wiper blades appear to have nicks or tears in them which expose the metal to your windshield then you’re running the risk of damaging your windshield beyond repair.
The steps above take very little time and effort to follow. Just remember that checking your blades regularly takes less than 30 seconds which is a very small amount of time that could keep you from spending hundreds of dollars on a new windshield. Should you find yourself in need of a replacement visit our auto glass replacement quote page and let us connect you with a reliable shop in your area.
Windshield Repair and the Summer Heat
Should you get a windshield repair now or wait until the summer heat is here?
The summer heat can be just as bad for those windshield chips as the winter cold. The hot summer months are coming so if you have a chip in your windshield and you don’t have time to get a windshield repair then follow the tips below which could help temporarily save your windshield.
- Park in the shade if possible.
- Partially role down the door glass when parking in the sun.
- Don’t wash your vehicle when the windshield is hot to the touch.
Here’s a brief elaboration to better explain the tips above. Parking in the shade will help keep the windshield cooler than if your were parked in the direct sun light. The shade will also help keep the interior of the vehicle from reaching temperatures that are much higher than the outside temperatures. If you are unable to park in the shade then leave your door glass partially rolled down. Leaving the door glass partially rolled down will help keep the inside of your vehicle from rapidly rising in temperature. Higher temperatures inside than outside of the vehicle can cause any small chip in a front windshield to weaken and crack further.
So you’ve followed the first two tips and that small chip in your windshield appears to be holding up so you decide to take your vehicle to the car wash and get it cleaned. Just remember… the drive to the car wash will most likely not be in the shade and leaving the door glass partially rolled down will definitely not keep the front windshield from getting hot. The front windshield slowly rising in temperature and getting hot to the touch generally won’t crack the windshield but more than likely when you send your car through the car wash and the hot windshield is hit by the cold water… well, more than likely you’ll need a windshield replacement. I’ve seen this happen to a large number of people over the years so take my advice and have a windshield repair performed now instead of waiting until it’s too late and having to pay for a complete windshield replacement.
Windshield Repair Details
Some things to remember when dealing with windshield repair:
Contrary to what you may have heard the windshield repair process is not designed to make the windshield chip or crack disappear. Now I’m sure David Copperfield or Houdini would be able to argue with me and more than likely prove me wrong on this point. However, windshield repair is done solely for the structural purpose of preventing the windshield from cracking further and resulting in the need for a complete windshield replacement.
Keeping the windshield from cracking further will ultimately help you save money over the cost of a full windshield replacement. Complete windshield replacements can range from $145 on the low end and be more than $1,200 on the high end. A windshield repair only takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete and will generally cost between $40 and $60 depending on the shop you choose to perform the work. I’m not sure about you but $40 to $60 and 20 to 30 minutes of time sounds a whole lot better than hundreds or even thousands of dollars to me.
Further interesting details pertaining to windshield chip repair is the strength of the windshield after a repair is finished. A factory windshield without a chip or crack in it can handle approximately 1,750 pounds of pressure hitting it. A factory windshield with a chip or crack in it can only handle approximately 1,350 pounds of pressure hitting it. After a windshield repair has been performed, the windshield is able to handle approximately 1,850 pounds of pressure. In my opinion a windshield repair can definitely help restore your windshield to its original strength when properly performed by an auto glass specialist.
Many people put off repairing small chips and cracks in their windshield until it’s too late and the damage spreads across the entire windshield. Save yourself some money and contact your local auto glass specialist to have any damage in your car glass fixed before it’s too late.
Click the link below to view the different types of repairs State Farm discusses on their site.
