You may, by misfortune, find a scratch on the windshield of your car. If this happens to you, you don’t need to worry. This task is easier than you think. All you need is the right products to do it. That said, check out this grandma’s trick to repair scratches on your windshield quickly and cheaply!
Windshield scratches are a common problem that can be very annoying, especially when they obstruct your field of vision while driving. However, it is possible to repair them and avoid replacing the entire windshield, thanks to inexpensive and readily available products, such as toothpaste.
What can scratch a windshield?
Several causes can cause scratches to appear on the windshield:
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Using the wiper on a windshield that is not clean
When the windscreen is frosted or dirty, particles may get into it and consequently create scratches.
Using a damaged wiper on a windshield
SIf the wiper blades do not wipe properly, this means that their rubber is damaged. In this case, the blades could leave marks on the windshield. And that’s not all, the metal frame of the wiper could cause scratches on this large glass, if your equipment is very worn. Note that the service life of the wiper blades is approximately 12 months. It is therefore important to change them when necessary so as not to damage your windshield.
The use of a damaged ice scraper on the windshield
Using a damaged scraper to remove ice that forms on the windshield in cold weather can cause scratches on the glass.
Remove ice from the windshield. Source: spm
The impact of weather conditions on the windshield
Hail can create scratches or even cracks on the windshield when it is too strong. The impact of hailstones should not be overlooked either!
In addition, if you stay too close to a car or a large vehicle such as a truck, you risk receiving projections of debris such as gravel, pebbles or stones on your windshield. Hence the importance keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. Moreover, this safety measure is important in order to avoid any risk of accident.
A scratch is a scratch or groove that forms on the surface of the windshield. Do not confuse it with a crack which corresponds to a deeper break in the glass. In that case, you have to change the windshield. If the scratch is not deep, you can repair it, without calling a professional, using economical products that you have at home, like toothpaste. This can be used to repair small superficial scratches on the windshield. To do this, you can do the following:
- Clean the windshield first to remove dust and dirt on it. For this, you can use glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to capture dust. You can also mix one part white vinegar with one part water to create a cleaning solution;
- Spread the amount of a tablespoon of toothpaste on a clean and soft microfiber cloth;
- Place the cloth on the scratched part of the windshield;
- Rub the glass gently using circular movements.
For best results, you can use baking soda. For this, mix your toothpaste with a teaspoon of baking soda, or 4 g of this natural and ecological product. Note that it is recommended to use a white toothpaste, without gel. You can also opt for a toothpaste that contains baking soda. Also keep in mind that you may you need several applications of the toothpaste, in order to obtain the desired result.
What are the other tips for erasing a micro-scratch on the windshield?
Scratched and dirty windshield. Source: spm
In addition to toothpaste and baking soda, you can opt for these solutions and repair superficial scratches on the glass, without having to make an appointment with a professional, and without considering replacing the windshield:
White spirit to repair a scratch on the windshield
White spirit is a transparent liquid resulting from the distillation of petroleum. It is a mixture of hydrocarbons. To use it, simply soak a newspaper in this product and then gently clean the windshield. Rinse thoroughly.
This product is effective in repairing scratches, however, it should be used with caution. Wear household gloves and protective goggles, and do not mix it with any other chemical.
The clay stone to repair a micro-scratch on the windshield
Clay stone or white stone is very effective in repairing light scratches. Its use is simple:
- Apply the clay stone to a soft, dry microfiber cloth;
- Run the cloth over the scratch;
- Gently rub in circular motions;
- Let it dry
- Run a clean, dry cloth over the glass to polish it and complete your repair.
Nail polish to repair a light scratch on the windshield
Transparent nail polish is effective in reducing the appearance of the scratch and preventing it from lasting:
- Apply a thin layer of nail polish to the scratch;
- Let it dry for an hour
- Remove the excess with a solvent.
Cigarette ash to remove scratches from the windshield
To remove superficial scratches on your car windows, you can do the following:
- First collect the cigarette ashes;
- Roll a damp cloth into a ball and dab it in the ashtray;
- Pass the cloth soaked in cigarette ashes over the scratch
In addition to these solutions, you can also get rid of scratches on the windshield by gently cleaning it with glass wool, or a cloth soaked in scratch-erasing paste for bodywork, or Blanc de Meudon. Insist on the stripes for more efficiency.
These tricks work for light, shallow scratches. Otherwise, you will need a special resin.
Is it possible to polish a windshield?
It is possible to polish the scratches on the windshield. For this you will need a glass repair kit. This contains a polishing product, and a pad used to polish the glass. Choose the kit that contains cerium oxide polish as a polish.
You can also polish off scratches, using the felt polishing disc. This is an effective tool because it erases them gently, without damaging the glass surface.
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Clean and scratch-free windshield. Source: spm
To avoid scratching your windshield or cracking it, it is important to adopt certain preventive measures such as change windshield wipers regularly, depending on the model of your car, clean the windshield when dirty, and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to avoid projectiles. Also think to carry out regular checks of the windscreen, in order to identify the micro-scratches that are beginning to form and repair them in time, especially since scratches on the windscreen are an important element that is examined during technical inspections.
That said, thanks to the toothpaste, and these additional tips, you will proceed to repair the small scratches present on the glass at the front of your vehicle, and thus avoid the replacement of the windshield. Moreover, scratches are considered a major failure, the impact of which is significant, as they can reduce visibility and driver safety. It is then up to you to choose the method that best suits you to overcome this problem.
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Via SPM
