Taking proper care of your windshield is an important part of vehicle maintenance. Your windshield protects you from the outside world — return the favor by protecting it! Here are a few windshield care tips you should put to good use:
The most common task you should be performing to care for your windshield is giving it a good cleaning every now and then. Not only does cleaning dirt and bugs off your windshield make it look better and help you see clearly, but it can also actually prolong the windshield’s life. Small particles left on your windshield can scrape the glass, increasing its chances of cracking. Use an auto glass cleaner and microfiber towel to leave your windshield clean and streak-less.
If you come across some hard-to-remove bug splatter, here are some products available that remove them.
Windshield wipers should be changed once a year at the very least. If you often drive long distances or your car sits in the heat for long periods of time, consider swapping out your wipers twice a year, as their integrity deteriorates faster. The higher the quality of your wipers, the better able they are to do their job.
There are hundreds of automotive glass cleaners you can use to make your windshield crystal clear, but leaving any of them on your windshield to dry is not a good idea. They will likely streak your shield with residue and could turn into gummy liquids that are difficult to remove. Spray the part of your shield you’re cleaning right now, wipe away all the cleaner, and move onto the next part. Try to wash your windshield in the shade.
If you’re leaving your windshield wipers in the upright position to clean under them or because it’s a snowy day, never let them snap back to the windshield by themselves. The impact could crack your windshield, and it’s not good for your wipers’ health either. Gently lower them back down after cleaning the area under them.
When all the windows are up and you slam your car door, you create a pressure in your vehicle’s cabin that pushes outward. Doing this can crack your windshield, or break it if its health is already compromised. Be gentle.
If you notice a crack on your windshield, have it checked out as soon as possible. The more you drive around with a cracked windshield, the more you’re gambling with causing further damage. When it comes to replacing your windshield, leave it up to the professionals unless you’re skilled in replacing them. They have the tools and experience to make sure the job is done correctly the first time. If you replace it improperly, you may just have to pay to have your windshield replaced a second time.
Integrate these tips into your car care routine to make sure you’re properly maintaining your windshield. Remember that your windshield is the only thing between you and the bugs and rocks that fly toward you on the road. Or have total peace of mind by calling Priority Toyota Hampton and scheduling a service with our trustworthy service department – we’re here to help!
