How to Take Good Care of your Windshield?

Are you worried about cracking your windshield? The best way to avoid the cost of changing or repairing your windshield is to take good care of it. Of course, we all know we have to be particularly careful during the winter, but keep reading to discover our tips on haow to take care of your windshield year-round.

Why is it Important to Take Care of your Windshield?

The windows of your vehicle, in particular the windshield, play a key role in keeping you safe. First of all, the front and rear windshields allow you to have good visibility on the road and other drivers. A well-maintained windshield helps to avoid danger related to fast drivers, pedestrians, and potholes. For good visibility, it is absolutely essential to have a clean windshield with no cracks.

Your windshield also plays a big role in keeping you safe inside your vehicle. It ensures the structural integrity of your vehicle by avoiding, for example, the roof caving in on you and your passengers in case of a rollover. When it comes to the airbags that deploy on impact, they rest on the inside of the windshield in order to better protect the passengers inside the vehicle.

Did you know that it is a legal obligation to keep your windshield in good condition? In Quebec, you could receive a ticket anywhere between 90$ and 175$ if your windshield does not meet regulations. Repairing a cracked windshield isn’t just a question of esthetic; it is above all a question of safety.

How to Take Good Care of Your Windshield

Take care of your windshield year-round to avoid cracks. Keep reading to discover our recommendations for taking good care of your windshield and removing ice using the right tools.

1. Maintaining your Windshield

This may seem obvious, but we often seem to forget: it is important to clean your vehicle’s windows! Whether it is done at the gas station after filling up your tank, at home using a specialized product, or even just quickly using wet wipes, it is important to have good visibility. Keeping your windows clean will avoid damaging your windshield by letting your wipers drag debris across it. Try to remember to clean your windshield wipers often; they enter into contact with the glass most frequently.

Here’s a little trick: make your own glass cleaner! You will save money and it is better for the environment. To make natural glass cleaner at home, mix :

• 900ml of water
• 100ml of white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of dish soap
• a few drops of lemon essential oil
• Add 100ml of 90% alcohol to your glass cleaner if you are making it during the winter to make sure it doesn’t freeze.

Be careful while driving. It is recommended not to drive too close behind other cars. As well as risking a collision if you have to break suddenly, you are more likely to receive gravel and debris in your windshield from the other cars’ tires. Finally, slow down when you see potholes ahead, and try to avoid them if possible.

1. Removing Ice from Your Windshield

The risk of cracking your windshield is much higher during the winter. The cold temperatures outside are constantly fighting against the warmth inside your vehicle. If the temperature difference is too great, the windshield’s material can become fragile and vulnerable to impact. Worse, if you already have a crack in your windshield it could get even bigger! We definitely recommend heating up your car gradually, and only turning up the heat after a few minutes on the road.

And don’t even think about using boiling water to remove ice more quickly in the morning! This method should be banned, as it will make your windshield fragile and can create cracks.

Here’s an idea: mix together 2/3 white vinegar for 1/3 of water in a spray bottle and spray all your vehicle’s windows; you shouldn’t have any problems with frost for a couple of weeks. You could also cover your windshield with a piece of cardboard, fixing it into place with the wipers. Once the frost has passed, you may end up with a few small pieces of cardboard stuck to your windshield, but they’ll come off easily.

1. Using the Right Tools

It is important to use the right tools in order to take good care of your windshield. Try to remember to keep a microfiber cloth in your vehicle; you will be able to use it to wipe the inside of your windshield in case of heavy condensation. For the outside, just use a bit of vinegar diluted in water for a streak free finish.

Here’s a tip: choose your microfiber cloths carefully! Go for quality rather than quantity. Check the ratio of polyester vs polyamide. The more polyamide the better, so try to choose a cloth that is between 80% polyester/ 20% polyamide and 70% polyester/ 30% polyamide. Prioritize density, with a high number of grams of fiber per square meter.

Be careful with your snow scraper and brush in the winter. Certain brushes accumulate dirt and debris through extended use which can scratch the paint on your vehicle. In order to safely clean your windshield, choose a snow brush with an integrated flexible foam edge. They are more efficient than traditional snow brushes and will do a great job removing snow from your vehicle. Ask a Point S expert for help choosing the right snow scraper and brush for your needs.

When should you replace your Windshield?

To know when it’s time to replace your windshield rather than repair it, keep an eye on its condition. What should you do in case of impact? In order to be repaired, the point of impact must be smaller than a 2 dollar coin (2.5 cm). The crack or point of impact must also never be in your field of vision, specifically not in front of the steering wheel. Finally, the windshield must only have one crack and it must not be more than 4cm from the edge. If the crack is too big, make an appointment at your local Centre Auto Point S to have your windshield replaced.

Your vehicle’s windows are essential to ensuring your safety and good visibility while driving. Make sure to keep them clean and in good condition. And remember, it is always better to take good care of your windshield year-round than to make too many trips to the mechanic.