Your vehicle’s windshield has many functions, including keeping debris from coming inside your car, as well as protecting you from the wind that you would otherwise be exposed to while driving. Windshields are made of solid glass that can withstand a lot of force. However, they are not indestructible and are not cheap to replace, so it is important to keep them in the best possible shape for as long as possible. The following tips will ensure that you are taking good care of your windshield.

1. Repair Cracks ASAP

If you glimpse a crack or even a chip in your glass, then you should make sure to repair it as soon as possible. Chips and cracks will expand slowly but surely, so repairing them is a must if you do not want to end up replacing your windshield entirely. They also weaken your windshield glass, which can become a danger to you and any passengers with you since any knock could cause complete breakage. When your windshield has a crack and is exposed to heat, the glass expands which causes the crack to become bigger and bigger over time. However, if you treat your glass the moment you notice a tiny chip or crack, you will save yourself from the hassle of having to replace the entire pane of glass.

2. Remove Old Treatments

There are different treatments that you can apply to your windshield to protect from rain. However, after about three months or less, depending on how frequently it rains, the treatments become ineffective. They actually become a hindrance since they affect driving visibility. One such treatment is Rain-X. This treatment is made from silicone and other chemicals that create a hydrophobic film. This makes it very hard to remove the film, and you cannot apply another coat of the treatment if you do not remove the old residue. Because it is so hard to remove, many people seek professional help to do so. Luckily there are different ways of getting Rain-X off your windshield on your own. With some dish soap, microfiber towels, and some elbow grease, you can get the old coat of Rain-X off in practically no time. After taking off the residue, you can apply a new coat to protect your windshield from rain and snow.

3. Maintain Wipers

Your windshield wipers can affect how long your windshield lasts. Over time, wipers become worn and can cause small scratches. These scratches will affect your vision when driving, which can make it quite dangerous on the road. If you do not keep your wipers in the best shape, you risk ruining your windshield over the years. It may not be noticeable at first, but it will get worse the more you neglect them. It’s important to note that the best thing to do is have your windshield changed between every 6 months to a year. If you notice a difference in visibility before then, you should take action immediately.

4. Choose the Right Cleaning Products

Keeping the glass on your vehicle as clean as possible is important if you want it to maintain its strength and visibility for as long as possible. When picking cleaning products, you should choose the best possible products you can afford. When buying cleaning products, you need to check the ingredients to ensure that they are not going to be harsh on your glass or cause any kind of deterioration. The cloth you use to wipe the windshield is also important to consider since rough material can cause scratches to appear on the windshield. It is best to use an absorbent cloth that is soft but still wipes away dust and dirt easily.

5. Park in the Shade

Exposure to direct sunlight for a long time can cause your car glass to heat up and expand. If you try to clean your car when it has been sitting in the sun for a while, it can cause your glass to crack into thousands of pieces due to the sudden shock of temperature. Parking in the shade will ensure that you never risk cracking because of high temperatures. If you live in a place that gets a lot of sunlight, then try finding a shaded area, and if you cannot find one, you should get a cover for your car to keep it out of immediate exposure.

Using these five different tips, you will be able to maintain your windshield for as long as possible. As mentioned above, the glass that is used in your car is strong but still breakable if not taken care of. These guidelines are relatively simple to follow but can make a big difference in your windshield’s lifetime.