January 17, 2021
You look at it every day, yet you don't really see it. We're talking about your vehicle's windshield, and if you're not seeing it at all, that's probably a good sign. The fact is that unless our windshields get fogged up, hazy or cracked, we don't pay all that much attention to them. Considering how vital front visibility is in a vehicle, paying a little more attention to your windshield will pay off in the long run.
Keep it clean! In ancient times when gas stations had attendants who filled your tank for you, they used to clean the outside of your windshield while the fuel was being dispensed. In these days of self-serve gas, we don't have that luxury any more. But it's a good idea to clean your windshield regularly, even when it's not filthy. If you let dirt build up on the outside, it acts like fine sandpaper when you turn on your wipers when the glass is dry. Really, try to avoid turning on your wipers unless your windshield is wet. If you must use your wipers to clear off something like bird droppings, use your washers liberally to help avoid scratches.
It's also important to wash the inside of the windshield, too. Even if you're not a smoker, you might notice the inside glass sometimes get a greasy film on it. That's the plastic inside your vehicle off-gassing petroleum products that they're made of. A hazy windshield when you are driving directly into low sun can blind you. Use soaps that are made for automotive glass since they won't streak or harm vehicle interiors. Your service advisor can recommend some.
Keep an eye on your windshield wiper blades. Let them go too long without replacing them and you might wind up with the metal wiper frame actually touching the glass, a recipe for major scratches when you turn your wipers on.
Finally, do a quick inspection every once in a while for chips in your windshield glass. Catch them quickly and they can be repaired while they're still small. Often they will spread into a major crack, and at that point you'll have to have the whole thing replaced.
So there you have it. Give your windshield a little love and it will reward you back with a beautifully clear view of the road up ahead.
Tuffy Rockford
6574 E. Riverside
Loves Park, Illinois 61111
815.639.1239
March 2, 2025
There are some boots that don't come in a shoe box and aren't worn on your feet. They are called axle or CV boots, and they can be important parts for many vehicles. That CV stands for constant velocity. CV axles are mainly used in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. They're also us... More
February 23, 2025
As your vehicle ages, its performance isnt quite what it used to be, but many of us never notice the change because its gradual. So here are a few questions to ask yourself. Does your vehicle feel like it doesnt have the pep that it used to? Have you noticed your fuel economy isnt quite as good... More
February 16, 2025
Your vehicle's engine is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a power plant. But it has another power source that is vital as well: the alternator. The alternator is what puts out the electricity that powers such things as your lights, power windows, sound system, and na... More