How to Prevent Windshield Scratching
Spending extended periods of time near the beach can also harm your windshield, making it susceptible to sand damage in addition to your car’s paintwork. Sand-filled settings can harm your windshield in a number of different ways:
• Prolonged exposure to sand and debris
The likelihood of sandblasting your windshield increases as you drive in or close to sandy areas. When small sand, dirt, or dust particles hit your windshield repeatedly, sandblasting happens. Even while the tiny particles themselves are not big enough to break or chip the glass, they can eventually cause pits and dips to show up on the surface. Sandblasting can reduce visibility in addition to weakening and making your windshield more brittle and susceptible to breaks. As time goes on, the chips grow more noticeable, which makes it challenging to see properly while driving, particularly when the sun is shining and amplifies the damage. Sandblasting also lowers the value of your windshield when you go to sell it.
Your car is more susceptible to sandblasting if you frequently travel closely to the vehicle in front of you. The amount of debris that hits your windshield can be decreased by maintaining a minimum of a 3-second gap from the vehicle in front of you. Additionally, as tailgating causes almost a third of all traffic accidents, it reduces your risk of being involved in one. Another technique to prevent sandblasting is to avoid driving on sandy, dusty roads, however depending on where you live, this may occasionally be impossible to avoid. The impact of flying debris is lessened by slowing down, though.
The debris that is blown around by passing automobiles and the wind might cause sandblasting if you park your car in a sandy location. Using a high-quality car cover, like the fleece-lined Ultimate Shield Automobile Cover, is the best method to safeguard your car while it is parked. This sturdy, multi-layered cover protects your car’s windshield from several harmful factors. Your windshield will need repairs or, eventually, replacement if it sustains too much damage.
• Extensive cracks getting worse
Even little fractures or chips in your windshield might get worse if you expose it to sand. Sand can enter these tiny fissures as you drive or as other vehicles pass by your parked automobile, further weakening the structural integrity of your glass. A weak windshield poses a safety risk since it is more likely to crack. Additionally, the more sand your windshield collects, the worse your visibility will be, further compromising your safety. Sand clogging can be minimized by routinely washing your windshield. Pay great attention to any obvious chips or cracks and gently clean them. Your car cover will protect your windshield and other glass from sand, reducing their exposure.
• Damage brought caused by temperature
Variations High temperatures are common in sandy locations and can have a variety of effects on your car, including the windscreen. People frequently turn on their air conditioner after parking their automobile in the blazing sun. These abrupt temperature variations over time may cause the inner safety layer of the windshield to distort. Your parked car can be protected by using a cover to address this problem. Your car is additionally shielded from heat and sun damage by this function.