Follow this Guide to Remove Scratches from Your Windshield

Nothing ruins the look of a vehicle quicker than deep scratches on the windshield. Not only are they so common and unsightly, they can also be a serious distraction when driving if they happen to be in your direct line of sight. If you’ve been thinking about removing these scratches, do it right away because these could grow larger or turn into cracks if left unaddressed.

In this article, we’ll tell you how to remove deep scratches from your windshield yourself, so you won’t have to pay a single dime at the auto shop.

Windshield: Repair or Replace?

Can you buff scratches out of glass? Absolutely—provided they are not too deep. An easy way to judge this would be to run your fingers over the part of the windshield with scratches. If your nail clearly gets caught in the scratch every time, it’s probably too deep, which means it’s irreparable and you will need a replacement windshield.

But if the scratches are not that deep, using an auto glass scratch remover kit might be able to do the trick. Here are the tools you need to pull off this DIY repair job:

• Windshield repair kit
• Rubbing compound with cerium oxide
• Drill and buffer extension
• A piece of soft cloth

Steps to Remove Scratches from a Windshield

Remember that having a certified automotive mechanic work on your car is always the safest choice. However, if you think you have enough DIY car repair experience to do this job, follow these steps to get the best results out of a glass scratch repair kit:

Step 1: Prepare a cerium oxide paste. 
Cerium oxide is used for polishing a wide variety of materials, including glass, metals, and ceramics. Add a little bit of water to turn the chemical into paste.

Step 2: Clean the windshield.
Wash your windshield thoroughly with soap and water. Make sure that it’s completely clean and dry before you apply the cerium oxide paste.

Step 3: Apply the cerium oxide paste to the glass.
Slowly apply the cerium oxide paste to the scratches on the windshield. Never apply too much because this could result in an uneven finish.

Step 4: Buff it out.
Use the drill with a buffer extension to rub the solution into the scratch. Do this from right to left while making sure that you’re not stopping in one area. Also, do not apply too much pressure as this could make the finish uneven. Keep repeating the procedure until the scratches are not visible.

Step 5: Clean the windshield again.
Finally, spray clean water on the windshield and dry it using a piece of soft cloth. Carefully rub the area where the scratches used to be until all residue is gone.

You don’t have to keep getting frustrated every time you hop in your car and see the unpleasant scratches on your windshield. Set aside some time during the weekend to get rid of them, so you’ll have a much better time driving your car going forwards.

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How to Prevent Windshield Scratches

To prevent windshield scratches, you’ll need to replenish the windshield wiper fluid, replace old wipers, and use the correct tools to remove ice or snow from the glass panel.

Replenish the Windshield Wiper Fluid

The windshield wiper fluid acts as a cleaning agent and a lubricant for the wiper blade. Without it, the blade will dry wipe the windshield, which could result in scratches. Remember to inspect and top up your windshield wiper fluid regularly.

Replace Old Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers have rubber attached that typically deteriorates in a year. Your wipers are more likely to scratch the windshield when the blade’s body is exposed.

Clean the Windshield Wipers

Keep the windshield wiper clean to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating. These particles can scratch the glass each time you use the wiper, resulting in imperfections.

To clean the wiper, you simply need to wipe down the wiper blades with a damp, lint-free cloth.

Use the Correct Tools to Remove Ice or Snow

Use glass-safe tools to remove ice and snow from your windshield. Using ice scrapers can damage the windshield, especially if the blade is dull or chipped.

Park Indoors

It’s a good idea to park indoors to prevent scratches caused by hail, branches, and other debris on your windshield.