When it comes to your car’s windshield, you need to be able to see clearly. Chips, cracks, and knicks can obviously block the view, but windshield scratches can distort light and create frustrating glare.
While equally annoying as chips and cracks, scratches on your windshield CAN be removed in most cases. Here is why scratches on your windshield occur and how to fix these scratches yourself.
Are Windshield Scratches Normal?
Scratches are, by far, the most common type of windshield defect. Probably more than 90 percent of windshields possess scratches or other forms of surface etching.
Windshield scratches differ not only in severity, but also in how they may interfere with the driver’s normal ability to see.
Some windshield scratches are barely noticeable and can only be seen in the sunlight. Others can be very obvious – even distracting.
Windshield scratches in the latter category cause the most problems when attempting to drive toward direct sunlight, because they can cause excessive glare.
Windshield scratches are pretty much inevitable, although it is possible to take steps to reduce the chances of windshield scratching.
Like chips and cracks caused by roadside debris, windshield scratches are usually part of driving on the roadway.
What Causes Windshield Scratching?
Windshield scratches are primarily caused by overused, badly worn windshield wipers. As wiper blades age (or if an issue causes wipers not to shut off), the rubber inserts wear and produce obnoxious grinding noises.
If not replaced timely manner, a vehicle’s wiper blades can wear enough to allow metal-to-glass contact, at which point the scratch effect immediately begins. The scratches get progressively deeper over time due to the repeated movement (arc) of a wiper arm.
Another common cause of windshield scratches relates to the use of maintenance wipers in dusty, sandy, or dry conditions, since both dust and sand are abrasives. Therefore, any windshield covered in dust or sand would be scratched upon using the windshield wipers.
This is especially the case if the windshield was not fully wet before the wipers were engaged.
Windshield scratches can occur when the windshield is struck at an angle by materials as well.
Examples include a loose rock kicked up by a construction vehicle, falling debris from above, and materials blown by the wind, all of which can pose a risk to windshields if presented at a certain angle.
Can a Scratch Become a Crack?
Although the chances are very low that a scratch will develop into a crack, it may at first seem that the reverse is true, which is easy to do without even thinking. This is due to the fact that distinguishing between scratches and cracks can be very tricky.
Scratches are just surface impressions while cracks penetrate to the actual structure of the windshield, damaging its integrity.
If a small crack is mistaken for a scratch, and decay goes unpaid, it can present itself as very strange to watch the evolution of that crack over time.
Consequently, it can lead one to believe a “scratch” has developed into a crack, but in fact, an untreated crack has changed in degree of decay.
In rare cases, deep scratches can deteriorate. This occurs when scratches penetrate enough to damage the windshield’s integrity.
A deeply scraped windshield can cause the ends of the scratches to split deeper with time. The ends can elongate over a week, months, and eventually years.
Does insurance cover a scratched windshield?
If you’re asking if insurance will pay to repair a scratched windshield, it may be somewhat complicated depending on each policy’s wording.
However, there are many comprehensive or full coverage auto policies that will allow you to replace one scratched, cracked, or chipped windshield without fear of increased premiums as long as they are reported within one year.
It should be noted that windshield cracks will likely be left up to the discretion of the insurance company.
Also, how deep or wide the scratch is and whether it obstructs the driver’s line of sight will likely determine how the company addresses it.
So, it’s reasonable to think claims like this are denied each year, based on many different technicalities.
When in doubt, drivers should strongly contact the insurance company to acquire information and a better understanding of coverage regarding windshields. That way, if something unfortunate happens, there are no misunderstandings.
Determining the Severity of Windshield Scratches
When you are considering scratches on your windshield, the first step you should take is to assess how severe the damage is. This will help you determine how to repair the scratch and whether you need the help of a professional.
Look at the scratches on your windshield and see if they are just surface scratches or if they may be deeper scratches.
If you run your fingernail across a scratch and your nail catches on a scratch as you pass over it, you are most likely looking at a deeper scratch. Surface scratches will feel smooth as you run over them.
In general, a small chip or surface scratch can typically be addressed with DIY types of products or windshield repair kits.
Deep scratches and cracks, on the other hand, may require professional attention.
How to Get Rid of Scratches on a Windshield
Most of the time, minor scratches can be fairly easy to remove from a windshield, and there are a number of different techniques to do this, some applicable to different situations.
Below are some common methods to remove scratches on a windshield.
#1. Polishing Compound.
Most auto parts stores sell a commercial polish, such as Meguiars Ultimate Compound, which removes scratches on the windshield similar to how toothpaste does.
However, polishing compounds tend to be just a little more abrasive, and attention to detail is going to be necessary when applying.
For light to mild scratches, a little bit less abrasive glass polishing compound, such as 3M or Griot’s Garage, works very well on restoring a windshield.
Using a polishing pad or lint-free towel, simply apply with some pressure. This can be repeated until the desired results are met.
#2. Random Orbital Polisher.
The same type of polisher or orbital buffer used to apply a paint correction to your vehicle’s paint could also be used with a mild polish (see above) to remove scratches from a windshield.
It works basically the same as applying by hand, but is much faster and requires less muscle work. Using a dual-action car polisher on a windshield is much easier than on paint, as you can actually buff for too long and go right through the clearcoat into the paint (or worse).
That said, still use caution when polishing, as you can still burn or etch your glass surface with too much attention and/or pressure.
#3. Buff With Toothpaste.
Non-gel types of toothpaste will work well as a light-duty buffing compound and can even resurface minor windshield scratches and knicks.
Before buffing, make sure your windshield is clean and dry. Then just apply some toothpaste to the scratch with a piece of fiber cloth and work it in a circular motion. This should level the area around a scratch and give the area an even, restored appearance.
#4. Use A Windshield Repair Kit.
Windshield repair kits can be found at almost any auto parts store and will work to seal a scratch so it does not collect dirt and get any worse. Kits like these usually come with cerium-oxide buffing compounds that react and bond to glass surfaces upon application.
Essentially, this rubbing compound works like clear fingernail polish to fill and seal scratches and imperfections right at the source.
#5. Seal With Clear Nail Polish.
Clear nail polish is often how you can seal minor scratches so they do not get any worse. It gets applied right over the top of the scratch and will dry and harden.
Once cured, clear nail polish works as a semi-permanent filler, while keeping dirt and grime (even water) from further degrading whatever scratch it is applied to.
#6. Professional Windshield Scratch Repair.
If you have tried unsuccessfully to remove scratches from your windshield based on the methods I’ve mentioned here, or would simply like a second opinion, then you will likely want to contact a professional.
Companies like Safelite are easy to find online and specialize in windshield issues that range from repair to replacement, and can also assist with the most severe of situations.
Many companies of this type will even do on-site work and take care of your windshield while you are at work or otherwise away.
It might also pay to check with your automotive insurance provider before contacting a glass repair company to see if they are covered under your policy.
Doing so could save you a lot of time and money, and ease the burden of your distracting windshield defects for your own safety.
Why Fixing Windshield Scratches Matters
First, let’s chat about why it’s super important to repair those scratches.
First off, windshield scratches can be dangerous to you. Maybe you don’t know this, but even tiny scratches can ruin your visibility, especially when the sun or another headlight shines on them at just the right angle.
Decreased visibility can create a dangerous driving situation for you and your passengers.
Second, beyond just reducing safety, scratches on your windshield can look ugly.
Who wants to drive a vehicle that doesn’t look nice while being safe? If you repair those scratches, you not only allow yourself to see properly when driving, but you also keep the overall aesthetic of your car.
Let’s also touch on state vehicle inspections for a minute. Depending on your location, you could risk getting pulled over for driving with a damaged windshield.
Most states require you to have your vehicle pass inspection. One of the things that the technician will check is the windshield.
If your vehicle does not meet the inspection standards, you may have to pay a vehicle inspection re-inspection fee or risk fines and/or other penalties. So, fixing the scratches in your windshield now could save you time and money at inspection time!
Is it Possible to Prevent Windshield Scratches?
Navigating scratches and cracks on your windshield is unpredictable, but you can take a few precautions.
#1. Keep Your Windshield Clean.
Make it a habit to maintain your windshield cleaning frequency and procedures to clean the surface to remove dirt, debris, or road grime.
When the surface is clean, there will be less chance of scratches forming because any small particles sitting on the surface will act like an abrasive when force is applied to the windshield, like when your wipers are engaged.
#2. Avoid Road Debris.
While you’re driving, try to keep a distance from other vehicles, and especially avoid construction sites or unpaved roads where road debris can fall into your area. By doing this, you decrease your chance of pebbles or other debris hitting your windshield, creating scratches or chips.
If you see truck after truck hauling gravel to and from that nearby housing subdivision, think about taking the longer route, which is a couple of miles longer alternative if it’s safer.
#3. Look at your Wiper Blades.
Damaged wiper blades are here to contribute to windshield scratches, and we’re talking about deep scratches.
Regularly look at your wiper blades to make sure the rubber or silicone material on the end is not damaged or separating from the metal wiper blade frame. If you fail to do this, the metal will now scratch the glass each time you engage the wipers.
Most experts suggest replacing wiper blades once every 12 months, or earlier if you notice that they are not clearing your windshield correctly.