Windshield Replacement is Our Job. But How Can You Care for Your Windshield Once it’s Replaced?

Buying a vehicle is likely one of the top three most expensive purchases many people make in their lifetime. For most car owners, those first few months with the new ride is so exciting – everything is so shiny and clean, the new-car-smell is going strong, and those windows and windshields – not a chip or crack in sight!

Oftentimes, after the “honeymoon” stage is over, car owners start letting things slide. Maybe it starts with not keeping the interior as clean as previously. Or letting that Arizona dust coat the car for longer than usual before taking it to the car wash. Eventually, it may even lead to letting that chip in your windshield get bigger…and bigger…and bigger…until now you have a full blown cracked windshield!

Unfortunately, this is not just a cosmetic issue. Windshields have multiple functions when operating a vehicle, the most important being SAFETY! If you missed it, you can read more about windshield safety functions here.

If you have a chipped or cracked windshield, this is the perfect time to get your windshield repaired and hopefully avoiding having to fully replace the windshield. But if your windshield is still looking brand-spanking new, follow these tips to give your windshield the care it deserves!

• Windshields and debris don’t mix!! We’ve all done it. Maybe you’re running late to drop off the kids to school and you’re driving behind the car in front of you a little too close. Not giving enough space between your car and the one in front of you increases the chances of debris being shelled into your windshield, causing cracks and chips. We all learned about the “3 second rule” in driver’s ed class, and to make it even easier, try to leave at least two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you (even more than that if driving on the highway)! This is good practice anyways to help avoid those nasty rear-end accidents!
• Keep your windshields out of construction zones (if possible)!! This tip kind of builds on the previous one. What are construction sites full of? Large trucks, big rocks, and lots of dirt! Large trucks + gravel, rock, and dirt = flying debris! And flying debris = chipped or cracked windshield!! Phoenix is one of the fastest growing cities in America right now and that means there is a lot of construction sites. We know it’s not always possible to completely avoid these areas, but if you have to drive through them, keep a healthy distance behind those construction trucks to decrease your odds of windshield damage.
• Don’t forget about your windshield wipers!! We all know how important windshield wipers can be when driving in certain conditions. We may not get rain often here in Phoenix, but as they say, “when it rains, it pours,” and that most definitely describes Arizona’s monsoon season! Having good, clean windshield wipers that aren’t bent or damaged is so important. If your windshield wipers are dirty or broken, you run the risk of scratching the surface of your windshield, which can slowly “chip away” (ha ha) at the glass and increase your chances of cracked windshields. And don’t forget to replace damaged wipers immediately.
• Windshields should be cleaned on a consistent basis!! After a hard day’s work, don’t we all feel a little better after a nice shower? It helps us feel better prepared for the next day of hard work and windshields need this too! Windshields tend to get quite dirty due to dust and debris accumulation (not to mention, if you have kids, all those handprints can build up pretty quickly)! This accumulation can not only limit visibility, but it can build up in any chips, cracks, or crevices you may have in your windshield. It doesn’t take long – you simply need a dry cloth, preferably microfiber, and a glass cleaner from an auto store. Your windshield really doesn’t need daily “baths” but if you can schedule at least bi-weekly cleanings, your windshield will be happier. And so will you!
• Be careful where you park!! Parking in a garage will offer the best protection for your car’s windshield and windows, but if you don’t have access, the next best option is covered parking of some sort, like a car port. Indoor car storage reduces the risk of windshield and window damage from vandalism and weather (ahem, golf-ball sized hail), but in general, any covered parking will help decrease damage to your windshield caused by weather (rain, hail, wind, that hot Arizona sun). So check out that weather forecast – and park accordingly!

As always, being proactive with windshield maintenance and repair will save you so much time and money over the life of your car, and most importantly, keep your car in tip top shape to keep your loved ones safe and protected! So if you’ve been putting off getting that chipped or cracked windshield looked at, DON’T WAIT! Call Auto Glass 2020 today at (480) 283-7751 or get a quote here and let us help you give your ride’s windshield the care it deserves!