Find Top 8 Tips to Deal With Windshield Scratches

Windshield scratches are irritating as they not only hamper the vision but also lead to grow into bigger cracks. They also scatter the light coming from the approaching vehicles to make the vision even worse. Moreover, the dust and dirt entering the scratches are difficult to remove and spreads the light to hamper the vision.

Even the light scratches on the windscreen can develop into cracks that will need to be repaired. So it is essential to fix the scratches in the right time to prevent them grow into more significant cracks. This post explains some of the best tips to deal with the windshield scratches.

Determine the type of scratch

The first step in repairing the windscreen scratches is to determine the type of scratch. Usually, two types of scratches occur on the windscreen of cars, surface scratch and deep scratch. Run your finger over the scratch to check the kind of scratch.

If it is a surface scratch, it will feel smooth while a deep scratch feels rough. Repairing a surface scratch is convenient than a deep scratch. You can fix a surface scratch with the help of a windshield repair kit, but the deep scratches may need the replacement of entire windscreen.

Get an auto glass repair kit

You need to buy an auto glass repair kit from a local store. If it is not available in the local stores, you can also get one from the online marketplace like Amazon. It consists of a rubbing compound which we will use on the scratch to remove it entirely and restore the vision on the windshield.

Try to get the kit with the rubbing compound containing cerium oxide. The chemical helps to seal the scratch and prevent it from deepening.

Clean the windshield

Once you got the windscreen repair kit, the first step is to clean the windshield. You can use an auto glass cleaner or a soapy water solution to clean the surface of the windscreen. Make sure you rinse the complete soap residue thoroughly with water and dry the scratch area completely.

There should be no water on the surface or inside the deep scratches. If you see any drops of water inside the scratches, dry it with an air blower or park your car in the sun until the water drains completely from the area.

Apply the rubbing compound

After the cleaning of the windscreen, it’s time to apply the rubbing compound. Take the rubbing compound and put it on the scratches. Most of the compounds look like toothpaste, and they are very easy to apply. Spray the compound on the windscreen with water and rub it gently with a cloth. Make sure you do not apply too much pressure on the windshield.

Leave the compound to dry

After applying the compound, you should allow it to dry completely according to the instructions on the windscreen repair kit. Usually, it takes 30 minutes for the compound to dry, however, it is best to check the instructions and leave it to dry accordingly. After the dry time given in the instructions, you can wash the windscreen with plain water and wipe it with a soft cloth.

Check the Scratched Area

After cleaning the windscreen, you need to check the repaired area. Check whether the scratches are visible or not. If the scratches are not visible and the vision is clear, you can drive the car. However, if the scratches are visible, you can still drive the car, but you will need to reapply the compound once again.

When you need replacement

This process completes the repair of the scratches. If the scratches are deep and start growing more prominent, you might need to replace the windshield. However, some people do not replace the windshield due to the cost of replacement. For such people, it is best to claim the windshield replacement cost from the insurance company.

Tips to prevent windshield scratches

Never run the wipers on a dry windscreen; otherwise, it will drag the dirt and dust which leads to scratches. In the absence of rain, use the washer nozzles to spray the water on the screen before you hit the wiper switch.

Always keep your washer tank full of water. Check the water level in the washer tank regularly and top up to keep the sufficient amount of water. You never know when you need a splash of water to clean the windscreen.

Never use the worn wiper blades on the windscreen. Replace the wipers as soon as you see any signs of torn rubber or damage. You can get the wipers and replace it yourself or get them replaced by your car’s dealership.

Final Words

Repairing the windscreen scratches is easy. So it is best to fix it immediately to avoid the windscreen replacement. If you think that the scratches are significant and hamper the visibility even after repair, it is best to replace the windshield. The points mentioned above are the best tips for auto glass repair at home. You can use them to repair the windscreen of any car. However, it is best to take care of your auto glass regularly to prevent the damage.