Lesser-known Ways to Maintain Your Auto Glass (and Vehicle)

So many people have been fortunate enough to not have to replace their auto glass or windshield during the lifetime of their vehicle, but you never know when disaster can strike. Even the smallest of objects can create disastrous results when combined with the speeds we normally cruise on the road; in most cases, nobody even sees the damage coming. Small cracks and chips may not be avoidable in these situations, but the overall strength of your auto glass is something you can properly maintain. There are several ways in which your auto glass can be maintained that do not immediately come to mind for many.

What if we told you that your auto glass can affect fuel economy, safety and interior temperature? In most cases, the way in which you care for your auto glass can affect these elements as well. Through a variety of simple yet effective solutions, you can be sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape and your auto glass is up to the task of keeping you safe and comfortable. In the following article, we’ll outline some ways that you can get the most from your auto glass and ensure smooth performance in the miles ahead.

Park in the Shade

There are several reasons as to why you should always try to park your vehicle in the shade on a hot summer day. For starters, the interior temperature of your vehicle will be spared the brunt of the summer’s heat, making it easier and quicker to cool down. It can also help keep any other items stored in the car from melting or being damaged. Another reason relates to periodic cleaning of your glass – if there are any elements of liquid or dirt on your windshield or auto glass when the sun’s rays are at their strongest, it can cause streaks and spots to form on the windshield. This will require cleaning to remove and if not, can cause visual obstructions while driving.

One more major reason as to why parking in the shade is important relates to the strength of the automobile’s glass. Whenever you have any type of existing damage to the auto glass of your car – even if it not yet visible – rapid fluctuations in temperature can create stress on the glass and cause weakening/further deterioration of the glass to occur. The damage is not caused by the heat itself, but rather, from the rapid cooling of the automobile once you have turned on the air conditioner and begin to drive it. When you park in a shaded area, you help prevent these fluctuations from occurring.

Gradually Warm-Up Windows

For the same reasons mentioned above, it can be dangerous to blast heat onto frozen or cold windows and windshields on winter mornings. A recent Fox report showed that blasting your car heater vents onto a frozen windshield can actually cause the glass to break – not something you want happening on a cold winter morning before work. In order to prevent this and maximize the life of your car windows, please be sure to angle your car vents away from the glass and allow the vehicle several minutes to warm up before you turn the heat on. Some may like to leave the car running until the interior has warmed up; if you must, then direct the heat through the vents in your floorboard instead.

Clean Windows Boost Mileage

Did you know that a dirty windshield or set of windows can actually impact your fuel economy over the long-term? While the difference is not major between fill-ups, you can actually rob anywhere from 1-2% of your fuel economy by driving with dirty windows. Elements such as dust, debris, bugs, and other objects with surface area impede the windshield’s aerodynamic traits and make it harder for the vehicle to move along without drag. Because of this, you can also put additional wear on your engine. Rather than losing money at the pump and in maintenance costs over the years, be sure to wipe down your auto glass in order to ensure safe and clear visibility, and better fuel economy.

Use Proper Cleaning Techniques

All too many people try to clean their windows but come up short when it comes to technique. For starters, never apply solution or cleaner directly to the glass; instead, apply it to a cloth and then use the cloth to remove dirt and debris from the windshield. Some people make the mistake of using items such as newspapers to clean their windows – once again, this is not a good idea. The ink and chemicals on the paper can ultimately leech into your glass and cause staining issues (many of which are not noticeable at first). Last but not least, always be sure to roll your windows down in order to clean the entire surface. These cleaning tips will help remove excess dirt from your glass and ensure that no damage is done to the glass.