7 Bad Habits That Can Ruin Your Windshield

Your car’s windshield is one of its most valuable components, providing protection and clear visibility while driving. However, certain everyday habits can cause damage, impair your vision, and ultimately require costly repairs or replacement. Here are seven habits to avoid to maintain the integrity of your windshield.

1. Neglecting Chips and Cracks

Avoid letting minor chips and cracks go unnoticed; addressing them builds confidence in your ability to maintain your windshield and ensures safety.

• Time is of the essence: Addressing chips and cracks promptly is crucial because a small chip can grow into a larger crack, making repairs more difficult and costly and compromising safety.
• Cost implications: Repairing minor chips is typically less expensive than replacing a windshield.

2. Improper Wiper Usage

Using your windshield wipers correctly is essential not only for visibility but also for protecting your windshield from damage. Running wipers on a dry or dirty windshield, or using worn blades, can create scratches and gradual wear over time, weakening the glass and reducing clarity.

• Wiper lifespan: Wiper blades last longer when used properly and replaced as needed.
• Visibility issues: Poorly functioning or misused wipers can leave streaks, impairing your view in the rain.
• Windshield damage: Scratches from worn blades or debris trapped under the wiper can accumulate, compromising the windshield and leading to costly repairs.

3. Not Cleaning Regularly

Regularly cleaning your windshield reinforces proactive maintenance and helps you take responsibility for your safety and vehicle condition.

• Frequency of cleaning: Aim to clean your windshield at least once a week.
• Preventive measures: Use a gentle cleaning solution to avoid scratching the glass.

4. Parking Under Trees

While parking under trees can provide shade, it can also attract debris, such as leaves, twigs, and bird droppings, onto your windshield. This debris can scratch the glass and increase wear on your windshield wipers. Whenever possible, choose open parking areas without tree cover.

• Debris types: Leaves and bird droppings can damage your windshield over time.
• Long-term effects: Accumulation of sap can be particularly damaging and challenging to remove.

5. Ignoring Temperature Changes

Extreme temperature fluctuations can stress your windshield. Rapid changes, such as pouring cold water onto a hot windshield, can cause cracks. Instead, let your car gradually acclimate to temperature changes or use the defrost feature to avoid sudden shifts.

• Thermal shock explained: Sudden temperature changes create stress on the glass, increasing the likelihood of cracking.
• Defrost feature usage: Utilizing your car’s defrost system reduces the effects of thermal shock.

6. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Using abrasive materials or the wrong cleaning solutions can do more harm than good. Products with ammonia can damage the tint or etch the glass if used repeatedly. Stick to gentle soap and non-abrasive cloths.

7. Skipping Professional Inspections

Scheduling regular professional inspections allows experts to identify minor flaws or weaknesses early, reducing the risk of sudden windshield failure and costly repairs.

• Early detection: Professionals can identify weaknesses or minor flaws you might miss.
• Preventing accidents: Regular inspections reduce the risk of sudden windshield failure while driving.

Extend the Life of Your Windshield

By avoiding these seven bad habits, you’ll not only extend the life of your windshield but also ensure a safer driving experience. Regular maintenance, awareness of environmental influences, and proper care can keep your windshield clear and damage-free. Stay vigilant and implement these changes today to protect your vehicle and ensure your safety on the road.

With a bit of attention to your driving habits and the surrounding environment, you can protect this essential part of your vehicle and maintain a clear view of the road ahead. Maintaining good windshield practices pays off in both safety and savings.

Is Your Windshield Damaged in Covington, LA?

If you discover that your windshield is damaged in Franklinton, Mandeville, or the surrounding Northshore areas, contact us at Hunter’s Auto Glass. Our goal is to keep drivers in Southeastern Louisiana safe by keeping their windshields and auto glass damage-free.