You Might Be Damaging Your Auto Glass This Way

Many people don’t think that auto glass requires any special attention or maintenance. However, just like with any other part of your vehicle, you need to take care of it. This means cleaning it regularly, parking is safe and covered areas and of course, using the proper tools for maintenance. Assuming that nothing bad can happen to your windshield or side windows, might be an expensive mistake.

There are a lot of ways drivers unintentionally damage their auto glass, but we will focus on the 4 most common ones. And we will also provide suggestions on how to better protect your windshield, side windows, and rear windshield.

Cleaning Your Auto Glass

Cleaning your auto glass is NOT like cleaning your home’s windows. Many vehicle owners use household glass cleaning chemicals to clean their car windows and windshield. We strongly recommend that you don’t do this. Many of the household cleaning items contain chemicals such as ammonia which can damage the sealant around your auto glass.

With longer use, these chemicals can seriously deteriorate the auto glass sealant, and weaken the bond between (for example) your windshield and your car. This can, for instance, result in leaks. So make sure that you use special cleaning products that are meant for cleaning auto glass.

Neglect

When it comes to cleaning, it is important that you clean your auto glass often enough. This of course doesn’t include using your wipers and wiper fluid. It means thoroughly cleaning your auto glass.

Regularly cleaning your windshield and windows is as important as using the right tools for the job. Accumulated dirt and grime are dangerous in two ways. First and foremost, it can obstruct your vision of the road which makes driving dangerous. Secondly, if the dust and grime are abrasive enough, they can actually damage your windshield.

Our best recommendation is to clean your auto glass at least once a month, with special cleaning solutions and clothes.

Parking in Unsafe Areas

You don’t really think about safe parking, in a covered area, until a tree branch, rogue ball, or a piece of debris damages your auto glass. In order to avoid frequent auto glass repairs, we strongly recommend that you be aware of where you’re parking your vehicle.

So make sure that you park in enclosed, covered areas as much as possible. Avoid if having a routine to park on the curb or in your driveway. You are exposing your vehicle to potential auto glass damage.

Rapid Temperature Fluctuations

If you didn’t know until now, sudden temperature changes, from very hot to very cold can damage your auto glass. IF you drop an ice cube into a glass of tepid water, it will crack. The sudden change in temperature (from cold to hot) makes the ice expand (or contract if it’s the other way around). The same can happen to your windshield. If it’s freezing cold outside and you turn on the heating all the way up, or if the car was in direct sunlight during hot summer days and you turn on the AC. In extreme weather conditions (very hot or very cold weather) make sure that you bring down/up the temperature gradually. The windshield will have enough time to adjust to the temperature change and it won’t sustain any damage.

Hopefully, these tips and suggestions will help you protect your auto glass so you won’t need replacement or repairs frequently. But if you do notice chips or cracks on your windshield or side windows, make sure to contact us and stop by so we can take a look.