If your wiper blades scratch your windshield, you may not be able to see properly. Get windshield repair in Houston as soon as possible for windshield scratches.
If you have scratches on your windshield, you need windshield repair in Houston ASAP to protect yourself and your passengers. Worn or damaged windshield wipers are often to blame for these scratches. Windshield wiper scratches are preventable with a little bit of knowledge and time for wiper blade maintenance. This can help you protect your windshield from damage.
Glass Scratches from Your Wipers? You Need Windshield Repair in Houston
Scratches from windshield wiper blades are more than just annoying. Sure, they often make your car look less nice, but that’s not the worst of your problems. Scratches on your windshield can affect your safety. Therefore, it’s important to get windshield repair in Houston as soon as possible.
Windshield scratches can cause several things that are a safety hazard. Auto glass scratches can:
- Make the windshield look hazy
- Distort the driver’s view
- Reflect light and affect driver visibility
- Weaken the windshield
- Turn into cracks over time
- Make it difficult to remove water from the windshield
Old, damaged wiper blades are one of the number one causes of scratched windshields. If you notice windshield scratches, take care of them as soon as possible. They can affect the structural integrity of your windshield and even turn into large cracks that may not be able to be repaired.
Luckily, in many cases scratches on your windshield can be repaired easily and affordably by professional Houston auto glass specialists. For those who love to DIY car repairs, you may also be able to repair some windshield scratches yourself.
Professional Windshield Repair in Houston
Depending on the type of scratch, there are a few ways to go about windshield repair in Houston. One is to polish out the scratches with a light abrasive. Another potential option is to fill the scratches with a special glass filler, like we do with chips and cracks. Generally, we’ll buff out shallower scratches and fill in deeper scratches.
In some cases, it may even be better to replace your windshield. If you have a lot of scratches or really deep scratches, it may be time for a new windshield. Also, any time there’s damage directly in the driver’s field of vision, it’s best to replace the windshield. Any repair, no matter how high quality, may still leave behind evidence that can affect your visibility.
Our technicians will inspect the damage to determine the right course of action for your windshield repair in Houston. Our goal is to provide you with safe, affordable options for your car.
DIY Options for Windshield Repair in Houston
The key to remember with DIY windshield scratch removal is that these methods generally only work with small, superficial scratches. To check how deep the scratches are, run your fingernail over the surface of the glass. If your nail catches against the scratch, then you’ll need professional windshield repair in Houston.
If the scratches are light, then there are some DIY kits you can buy at automotive stores. Generally they have a small bottle of polish with cerium oxide. The idea is to remove the scratch by lightly polishing the glass, which buffs the glass surface down slightly to match the scratch.
It’s important to follow the directions provided in the kit, as over-polishing can actually cause significant damage, even causing more scratches! If you’re not absolutely sure of what you’re doing, it may be worth it to visit a windshield repair shop for expert help instead.
How Do Windshield Wipers Damage Houston Auto Glass?
Typically, if you have scratches on your windshield from your wiper blades, that means they’re old or damaged. Windshield wipers are made of metal and rubber. When the rubber starts to wear away, it can expose metal that scratches against the surface of your windshield. If this happens, you’ll likely need windshield repair in Houston to keep your windshield safe.
However, there are some other things that can make your wipers scratch your windshield. For example, using your wipers when they’re dry. This can make the rubber deteriorate faster and also turns any dust or dirt on your windshield into something like sandpaper. It’s best to only use your wipers when your windshield is wet with things like rain or windshield washer fluid.
Avoid Windshield Repair in Houston by Maintaining Your Wiper Blades
Now, obviously if you can avoid damage that needs windshield repair in Houston, that’s best, right?
Fortunately, windshield wiper maintenance can help prevent many windshield scratches. It’s important to remember that rubber will degrade over time. For the most part, you can expect to get between three and twelve months of life from your wiper blades.
Frequent use, hot temperatures, and exposure to sun rays can all make the rubber on your wiper blades wear out faster. Unfortunately, Houston weather often features lots of rain, sweltering days, and lots of sun. So, you may even need to replace your wiper blades more often.
Inspecting your windshield wipers and replacing them as needed can help you keep your windshield in good condition.
Inspect Blades Regularly
It’s a good habit to check your wiper blades at least every month or two. This can help you determine when it’s time for new wiper blades. To check them, lift them up and wipe them with a soft cloth moistened with water or windshield washer fluid. Then, look for signs of cracking, unevenness, or other damage.
Also, when you use them, there are a few things to pay attention to. First, if they’re not removing all the water from your windshield, it’s time for an inspection. They may just be dirty, or they could be worn out and causing scratches on your windshield. Also, if you notice unusual noises like chattering, it’s likely time to replace the wiper blades.
How to Replace Wiper Blades
Replacing your wiper blades regularly can help prevent scratches that need windshield repair in Houston. This will help keep the rubber in good condition so metal doesn’t come into contact with the glass.
If you need to replace your wiper blades, there are a few options. You can have your local service center do this for you, or you can do it yourself. Many people replace their wiper blades themselves, as you typically don’t need any tools to do so.
The first thing you’ll need to do is buy new wiper blades. Replacement blades are typically around $20 or less, so this is an inexpensive investment to help you avoid repair and replacement costs for your windshield.
Check your owner’s manual for blade sizes. Different makes and models use different sizes, and you may even need different sizes for each side of the windshield.
It’s a good idea to always replace your blades in pairs (or in threes if you have a rear windshield wiper). This is because if one is worn out, it’s pretty likely the other ones are on their way out.
You may have to check your owner’s manual for replacing the blades. However, in most cases all you have to do is press on a small tab or open a clip and slide the old blades off. Then, you can slide the new ones on until they click into place or until you can latch them on.
Now, we should note, you can replace just the rubber of the blades. These are called wiper blade refills and tend to be a little less expensive than wiper blade replacements. However, to do this, you’ll need the tools and know-how to disassemble the old blade and put it back together with the new rubber.
Also, over time the springs inside the blade that press the wiper to the glass can wear out, so we recommend replacing the whole blade at least every few years even if you know how to use a wiper blade refill.
Trusted Houston Glass Repair Technicians at Apple Glass
When you need expert Houston glass repair, choose our team at Apple Glass. We’re here to help you keep all your glass in great condition, from your windshield to your shower enclosure. We’re here to make things easy, convenient, and affordable, so we offer in-shop and mobile repair services for your auto glass. Call us today at (713) 680-1400 in Houston or (281) 296-0600 in The Woodlands to learn more and get a free quote!
