How To Remove windshield scratches
A scratched windshield not only undermines the integrity of this automotive component. It can also affect the visibility of the road. This can cause accidents. However, you do not need to replace the windshield if it has scratches. What you can do is learn how to remove windshield scratches. That is how:
Determine the depth of the scratch, to remove scratches from the windshield
It is important to find out how deep the scratch is. Try running a fingernail over the scratch. If your nail doesn’t catch, then you have a superficial scratch. You can perform an easy windshield scratch repair on these types of scratches.
However, if your nail catches on the scratch, you’ll need a more professional approach. Deep scratches almost often require windshield replacement. This type of windshield scratch can spread very quickly. They can also extend well to the other side of the windshield. No scratch repair kit would be enough to prevent the scratch from turning into a crack. This can cause windshield failure.
Also Read: Driving With Bad Oil Pressure Sensor
Get ready with the materials
The process of how to repair a scratched windshield requires an auto glass repair kit. The kit already comes with everything you need to fix your glass surface imperfection. Make sure the repair kit includes a rubbing compound that contains cerium oxide. This substance adheres to the scratch and forms a seal. Prevents scratches from getting worse, helping to prevent the windshield from cracking or breaking.
There are other products you can use. You can use an acrylic scratch remover as an alternative to cerium oxide. Works well on very light scratches. For those on a tight budget, gel-free toothpaste works too. However, this will often require multiple applications to help fill in the scratches. If you want to use toothpaste, make sure it contains baking soda. You can also mix a teaspoon of baking soda and regular white toothpaste to serve as a rubbing compound.
If you are going to use cerium oxide, make sure you have a dust mask and a pair of rubber teeth. This substance is quite hard. Wearing glasses is also ideal.
Prepare the windshield, to remove scratches on auto glass
Prepare the surface before starting the windshield scratch removal process. Clean dirt and debris from your windshield with a soft microfiber cloth. Spray a glass cleaner on the glass and clean it well. Be sure to dry the surface completely before applying scratch remover.
Don’t use regular dish soap. A better alternative is to mix equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar. An all-purpose cleaner will also work well. If there are stubborn stains on the windshield, you can spray special glass cleaners. Otherwise, an ordinary glass cleaner will suffice. Make sure to dry the glass completely.
Use painter’s tape to cover the edges of the windshield. This will help prevent splashes from reaching different parts of the car.
Also Read: What causes timing belt to break
Apply scratch remover
Wear your goggles, gloves, and dust mask whenever you apply cerium oxide. Make sure the place you are working in is well ventilated.
Apply friction compound to the scratched windshield. Use a clean cloth to apply friction compound. Most rubbing compounds resemble toothpaste. They are easy to apply. Spray the rubbing compound with a little water. Use a microfiber cloth to gently rub off the compound. Avoid applying too much pressure. What you want is for the friction compound to fill in the very hairline cracks in the windshield.
Get a buffing machine and put on a soft buffing pad. Make sure the polishing pad is designed for glass surfaces. Start with a low-speed setting if this is your first time polishing your car. You can always pick up the pace once you feel more confident about how to remove windshield scratches.
remove windshield scratches, repair scratched windshield
If you are going to use a non-gel toothpaste as a windshield scratch repair method, start by rinsing the microfiber cloth in warm water. Wring it out until the cloth is just right, not soggy. Apply a small amount of gel-free toothpaste to the microfiber cloth. Rub the toothpaste on the scratch in a circular fashion. This will help fill in the scratches with the toothpaste. Rinse the cloth and reapply the toothpaste. You must do this several times. When you’re done, you can clean the windshield in long strokes; not circular movements.
You can also follow the same procedure if you are going to use baking soda or metal polish.
Be sure to wipe off any excess friction compound on your windshield. Always use a microfiber cloth to help prevent scratching the glass. Inspect the glass if you can still see scratches. If so, there’s a chance the rubbing compound isn’t filling small cracks properly. Reapply the compound over these areas and buff it again. Try to line up the edge of the buffing pad over the scratch to help “push” the compound into the gaps.
Also Read: All About Car Polishing
Let rubbing compound dry, To fix scratched windshield
It is important to let the rubbing compound dry completely. This should take about 30 minutes or so. Once dry, you can finish the process of how to remove scratches from the windshield. Remove the painter’s tape that served as the trim for the windshield. Wash the windshield very well. Rinse it and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
Reapply the compound on a regular basis
Rubbing compound tends to wear off over time. This is why it is ideal to reapply the rubbing compound on a regular basis. This will fill any small cracks with new material and prevent the cracks from getting worse. Always start by cleaning the windshield before applying friction compound. Rinse it, dry it and polish it to look its best.
Fixing a scratched windshield is easy if the scratches are only superficial. If they are too deep, your best recourse will be to have the glass inspected by an auto shop. You may need to replace your windshield if the cracks are worse than you imagined.
How to remove scratches from a windshield | Video Explanation
How to take care of windshield of your car| Infographics
Hi, I am David Bailey a dedicated writer from Linden Bridge School with a degree in mechanical engineering and a degree in marketing. I strive to simplify complex subjects and like to explain complex and technical matters in an easy-to-understand manner. Read More Here
