A scratch or scuff on the windshield doesn’t just compromise the integrity of the vehicle component, but it also obstructs the vision of the person behind the wheel, which can be very distracting or worse, can cause an accident. This doesn’t mean you have to change the windshield of your car just because it has scratches on it, instead you’ll have to figure out how to remove scratches from car glass.
If a scratch is left unattended for a long time, even a minor crack in the windshield can develop into a deep cut. Once it gets to this point, you have no other option but to replace the windshield.
Which would you rather do? I’d fix the crack or chip so it doesn’t get worse than it is. Remember, there’s no way to remove anything deeper than 50 microns. But, how can you tell that it’s fixable?
The first step to fixing a scratch on your windshield demands that you first find out how deep the scratch is, so you don’t waste your time, effort, and resources on a lost cause.
Run a fingernail over the scratched area to feel for depth. If your fingernail moves without any or little difficulty, then you’re dealing with a surface scratch. Such scratches are easy to repair.
However, you’ll need a more professional approach if the scratch catches your fingernail.
If the scratch is deep, you’ll most likely need to replace the windshield.
That’s because this type of scratch can expand really quick and can easily affect the other side of the windshield.
At this point, there isn’t much you can do to stop it from becoming a full-blown crack.
You’ll need an auto repair kit to remove a scratch from your car windshield.
The kit comes with everything that you’ll need to remove the dent on your windshield.
Make sure to get a kit that comes with a rubbing compound that contains cerium oxide.
How the substance works is simple; it bonds to the glass and forms a protective layer over the scratch.
It also prevents scratches from quickly becoming worse, thereby reducing the likelihood of the scratch developing into a crack or breaking the windshield.
An acrylic scratch remover is another substance you can use as a substitute to cerium oxide. This compound performs well on scratches that are not too deep.
If you are low on cash or just looking to test a home-made solution, you can try non-gel toothpaste.
It isn’t the best scratch remover and you’ll need to apply it multiple times to help conceal the scratches.
If you think toothpaste is the way to go, make sure baking soda is listed in the ingredients or you can make a mixture of both (equal parts of baking soda and ordinary white toothpaste).
If you have cerium oxide, make sure that you have adequate protection for your face and hands.
A dust mask and a pair of rubber gloves should be enough to minimize your exposure to the compound.
Prepare the surface of the windshield you want to remove a scratch from.
Wipe off dirt, debris, or any other contaminants from the windshield with a microfiber towel.
Now, spray glass cleaner on the windshield and give it a thorough wipe. If you have to wash the glass then feel free to do so, but make sure it is completely dry before you start working on it.
Ordinary dish soap is not recommended. A better substitute is a mixture of equal parts distilled vinegar and water, or use an all-purpose cleaning solution.
If there are tough stains, maybe from the time you tried removing a sticker from your car windshield, then you could get special glass cleaners to work on that. Otherwise, a window cleaner will do, just make sure nothing is left on the glass.
A better substitute is a mixture of equal parts distilled vinegar and water, or use an all-purpose cleaning solution.
If there are tough stains, maybe from the time you tried removing a sticker from your car windshield, then you could get special glass cleaners to work on that.
Otherwise, a window cleaner will do, just make sure nothing is left on the glass.
Finally, cover the edges of the windshield with a painter’s tape to prevent the compound from getting onto the paintwork.
Cerium oxide is a toxic compound that can cause mild to acute irritation, so make sure you’re wearing goggles, dust masks, and gloves. Make sure the environment you’re working in has proper ventilation.
Apply some of the compound on the area of the windshield that has a scratch.
Most of these rubbing compounds come in a tube and are in paste form, thereby making it easy to apply and spread with a clean piece of microfiber cloth.
Though it is not really necessary to apply pressure on the area, you still need to be firm.
The next step requires a buffing machine that has a buffing pad designed for glass surfaces. Gradually work your way up from a low-speed setting.
If you’re using a non-gel toothpaste or metal polish to work on the windshield scratch, immerse the microfiber towel in warm water and wring out the water so the towel is just damp.
Apply the mixture of non-gel toothpaste and baking soda on the scratch using circular strokes, rub it all over the scratch.
Rinse the microfiber towel and apply the mixture again. Repeat this a couple of times.
Any excess left on the glass should be wiped off – not washed, yet. Using a microfiber cloth will help you avoid adding more scratches to the glass.
Let it sit for a couple of minutes then inspect the scratch, if it is still obvious, then it means you still have a couple of application to go before the effects are satisfactory.
Make sure to align the edges of the buffing pad over the scratch to fill it up with the compound.
If you have access to a handheld drill that has a hard rubber polishing wheel, simply apply cerium oxide to the scratched area and use the drill to polish the scratch.
The whole process calls for a lot of patience, low pressure, and consistency. The reward is a clean, scratch-free windscreen that provides a clear view of the road you’re driving on.
I know it is tempting to check the rubbing compound now and then to see if it is dry, but you need to walk away and give it time to do its job.
This could take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.
Once it is dry, you can get rid of the painter’s tape, wash the windshield, rinse, then dry off the water with a microfiber cloth.
The rubbing compound will wear off over time, especially after a couple of downpours and snow when the wiper is in use.
Which is why you need to reapply the rubbing compound after some time to refill the crack with new material. This way, your good work isn’t reversed.
You’ve heard of the saying “prevention is better than cure” right? Well, it’s true.
Whether your windshield is scratch-free or you already have a scratch or two on it, the best thing you can do is figure out how to prevent it from happening – again, if it already has.
The culprit behind windshield scratches is usually collisions, road debris, wild weather, or an accidental slip while removing a sticker.
Sometimes it seems like they just appeared out of nowhere! A few of the lesser-known or suspected offenders that can sneak a scratch on our windshield hide in plain sight – right under our noses.
You need to be watchful of things that come in contact with your windshield, including those that are meant to improve its functionality.
While driving, we often have to dodge flying debris, but there are other methods to prevent yourself from accidentally scratching the windshield.
Your wipers need regular attention, especially when the season calls for them to be used more often.
It is very easy to overlook and take for granted the important job they perform in keeping water and debris from the windshield.
They’re constantly in contact with the windshield, so they should be well cared for and used carefully.
Have you ever had a funny-looking leaf that just won’t fall off of your wipers even with the wind hitting?
The easy solution would be to flick the wiper on, right? Well, that’s a bad idea.
Running the wipers when the windshield is dry can cause dirty, grimy scratches to develop. It’s pretty easy for grains of sand, dirt, etc. to accumulate on your wiper blades while you’re driving.
When there’s no water to clear some of them out, or at least wet the windshield, you might as well run a gardening fork over your windshield.
Always switch on the water first if your screen is dry before you turn on the wiper.
On the other hand, if your car wipers are old and brittle, you risk having the metal brackets scratch the windshield.
Always change your wiper blades as soon as they start to deteriorate.
Sometimes you can scratch your windshield unintentionally through poor cleaning habits. To clean your windshield without leaving scratches or water stains, you should use a microfiber cloth, and wash your car from top to bottom.
This means you should wash and rinse the top part of the car before cleaning the tires and bottom side to prevent scratching the windshield or paint with particles of debris. Ensure you’re using an ammonia-free cleaner on the windshield to avoid discoloration.
Washer fluid plays an important role in maintaining the look of your windshield. Just as it’s important to ensure your wiper blades are healthy and clean wiper blades, you also need to check the fluid regularly, more so in the season when you use it the most.
Too often we only remember that our car is equipped with wiper fluid when said fluid runs out as we try to clean bird poop off of the windshield; a simple mistake of activating the wipers while the glass is dry, and you end up smearing seagull turd across the glass. You’re in luck if it doesn’t scratch the windshield.
In our safety driving tips article, we explained in detail why tailgating is wrong When you tailgate a vehicle you are at risk of hiding in its blind spot, which is like an open invitation for trouble because the driver can’t see you, so won’t consider you when making maneuvers.
Driving this close affects your windshield because most of the debris kicked up by the tire of the truck deposit on your glass, and if you’re off-road an occasional stone or two might fly straight at your windshield.
It’s easy to fix a scratched windshield if the scratches are only superficial.
Your best recourse for scratches that are too deep will be to have an auto shop inspect the glass.
In some cases, you may have to change the windshield if the cracks are not fixable.
