The Ideal Windscreen Scratch Removal Method

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The Ideal Windscreen Scratch Removal Method

Scratches are unfortunately an unavoidable inevitability. These scratches are often very small and not easy to see. They usually don’t need to be fixed right away.

However, if something makes it hard to see while driving, like big scratches on the windscreen, it’s dangerous. These should be fixed quickly.

So, how can you fix these scratches?

This article will show you how to remove these scratches. You can do it yourself using some common tools and a polishing compound.

Step 1: Check Scratch Depth With your Fingernails

First, feel the scratch with your fingernail. If your nail gets stuck in the scratch, it’s too deep. You might need to replace it or ask an expert for advice.

However, if the scratch feels smooth, you can likely fix it on your own.

Step 2: Clean the Area

Begin by washing your windscreen with a car wash soap. Dry it with a microfibre cloth. Next, clean the area with a glass cleaner. Remember, use a sponge for the car wash and a microfibre towel for the glass cleaner. This step helps get rid of dirt in the scratch.

Step 3: Apply Polishing Compound

A glass polish is a specialized product designed to polish glass surfaces effectively. Unlike regular polish, which is not hard enough to impact glass. It contains ingredients that are more abrasive and effective on such surfaces. It is particularly useful for removing scratches and imperfections.

First, put a glass polish with Cerium Oxide on the cleaned windscreen. Use a low-speed electric buffer or drill with a polishing pad to work on the scratches. If it starts to dry, add a bit of water for smoothness.

Be patient, as it can take time to see changes. Remember, glass polish is different from car paint polish. Don’t mix them up. You can buy a scratch remover kit with the necessary items at a car care store.

Step 4: Wipe the Excess

Once you’re done polishing, wipe away any excess cerium oxide with a clean microfibre cloth. And while you’re at it, you might as well wipe the whole windshield to ensure a consistent finish.

How To Clean Windscreen

Exterior

What to use:

  1. Alcohol-based glass cleaner
  2. At least two pieces of clean, lint-free microfibre cloths or towels
  3. Rubber gloves & eye protection (optional but recommended)

Expert Tips:

  1. Don’t use cleaners with ammonia if it is tinted. They can change the color.
  2. Choose reusable microfiber cloths for a clean without streaks. They last long, can be washed, and are eco-friendly. Avoid disposable towels.
  3. Fix any chips first. Pressure on a chipped area can make it crack.

Steps to follow:

  1. Gently lift the wiper blades away.
  2. Spray glass cleaner to cover the half.
  3. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe this half vertically.
  4. Then, with another clean cloth, wipe horizontally until dry.
  5. For the other half, do steps 2-4 again with clean clothes.
  6. While the wipers are up, spray them with glass cleaner.
  7. Wipe the wipers top to bottom with a towel until they’re dry.
  8. Finally, buff the whole windscreen in circles with a dry microfiber cloth.

Expert Tips:

  1. Keep your hands and fingers off the glass while wiping. This avoids leaving smears.
  2. Wipe away any spray on the trim and edges. If it dries, it will show.
  3. Clean off dirt and grime from the wiper blades. This prevents scratches when using them.
  4. Also, remove any leaves and twigs at the bottom of the windscreen.

Interior

What to use:

  1. Rubbing alcohol
  2. Alcohol-based glass cleaner
  3. Three pieces of clean, lint-free microfibre cloths or towels
  4. Rubber gloves & eye protection (optional but recommended)

Steps to follow:

  1. Start at the bottom and wipe the inside in circles with a clean cloth.
  2. Turn the cloth over and wipe again, this time moving up and down.
  3. Put just enough rubbing alcohol on a new cloth so it doesn’t drip. Clean it in circles. Quickly wipe off any alcohol that gets on the dash with a paper towel to prevent stains.
  4. Spray glass cleaner on a different clean cloth. Wipe one half of it first vertically, then horizontally.
  5. Use the same cloth to do step 4 on the other half.

Expert Tips:

Instead of spraying rubbing alcohol and glass cleaner straight onto it, apply them to a cloth first. This helps prevent stains on the dashboard from any overspray.

How To Stop the Crack

  • Windshield repair kits are ideal for small chips and cracks.
  • Super glue or nail polish commonly used to prevent cracks from enlarging.
  • Clear tape over a crack keeps additional dirt out, preventing further damage.
Scratches on your windscreen will happen, but small ones can be fixed if you have the right tools and know-how. Taking good care is essential, especially where you look out to drive safely and prevent accidents. However, if the scratches are really deep, the only choice is to get a new windscreen. But, with luck, you can fix it so you don’t need to replace the whole thing.