Remove Windshield Wiper Scratches | Effective Repair Methods

Table of Contents

	Remove Windshield Wiper Scratches | Effective Repair Methods
1.	Why Do Windshield Scratches Happen?
• Environmental Debris • Worn-out Wiper Blades • Poor Handling • Poor Maintenance
2.	Understanding Windshield Scratches
• Nature of Scratches • Issues of Visibility • Location
3.	Preliminary Steps
• Deep Cleaning • Scratch Inspection • Collect Materials
4.	Methods for Removing Scratches
• Cerium Oxide • Acrylic Scratch Remover • Baking Soda Paste • Windshield Polish and Sealant
4.	Professional Repair
• Glass Repair Specialist • Windshield Replacement Service
5.	Preventing Future Scratches
6.	Conclusion

Have you ever noticed unexplained scratches on your windshield? Even the microscopic scratches from the windshield wiper can affect your visibility, which is important for the driver, especially during bad weather. Poor visibility at night can also be caused by such scratches, especially when the wiper blades are worn out, or there is debris beneath them.

Some of the most useful tips on how to eliminate wiper scratches from a windshield will be discussed in this blog. Thus, if you remove the scratches properly, and employ correct procedures to fix them, you can avoid getting into dangerous situations on the road.

Why Do Windshield Scratches Happen?

Windshield scratches can be caused by several factors. Here are some of them:

• Environmental Debris: Sand, dust and other small and light particles can settle on the windshield. These particles rub across the glass surface while using wipers and thus scratch the surface of glass.
• Worn-out Wiper Blades: Wiper blades can get worn after using for a long time. The rubber particles might get chipped, making the wipers rough. When used, these wipers can scrape the windshield and create scratches.
• Poor Handling: Using old wipers, improper installation, or using them when the windshield is dry can cause scratches on the windshield.
• Poor Maintenance: If you don’t clean your wipers and windshield regularly, dust and other particles settle on them. When the wipers are used, these particles cause scratches on the glass.

Understanding Windshield Scratches

Scratches on the windshield wiper are in a different category from the rest of the types of damage that may affect the automotive glass. These are usually thin lines that run openly across the motion of the wiper. Here’s what makes them unique and why they need immediate attention:

• Nature of Scratches: Wiper scratches, as opposed to cracks and impacts that often lead to chips, are mostly on the surface. They tend to develop due to the rubbing action of the wiper blades on the glass surface by debris such as dust, sand etc.
• Issues of Visibility: Superficial imperfections will significantly cut down on vision quite rapidly. This is even more so when it is sunny or at night when the lights of other cars reflect on the scratched surface.
• Location: Wiper scratches are found in the wiping region of the wiper blades, which is the main area through which you view the road while driving.

Preliminary Steps

A clear and methodical approach would always yield the best outcome in any repair for windshield wiper scratches. 

• Deep Cleaning: Clean the windshield by spraying with glass cleaner and wiping using a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks. 
• Scratch Inspection: Check the scratch under good light. Gently run your finger across the surface of the scratch to see how deep it is. If your nail gets stuck, then the scratch might be deeper and difficult to repair.
• Collect Materials: Retrieve all components that may be required for the repair. To get rid of the tiny scratch, you would require a glass polish and a buffing pad.

These first steps may seem obvious but they are important for proper preparation of the windshield before wiper scratch repair. 

Methods for Removing Scratches

Here are both DIY solutions and professional options to remove windshield wiper scratches:

DIY Solutions

• Cerium Oxide: Cerium Oxide: This common compound can take off surface scratches on the windshield. Rub cerium oxide paste and water on the area to remove wiper scratches from the windshield. Use a soft cloth for this, then wash with clean water
• Acrylic Scratch Remover: Intended for light scratches, this can be bought in any auto parts store. The directions for use are usually simple, and they include buffing with a soft cloth and then wiping the surface with the remainder.
• Baking Soda Paste: In a bowl, combine equal parts water and baking soda; this will create a paste. Rub this paste on the scratch with a soft cloth and while doing so, use a little circular pressure. Rinse thoroughly with water.
• Windshield Polish and Sealant: It can smoothen out fine scratches and provide another layer of protection. Apply it as per the instruction manual (which usually includes working the polish into the windshield and then wiping it off).

Professional Repair

• Glass Repair Specialist: In case you have deeper or more extensive scratches, then you would require professional work to be done. The specialists can look at the damage and fix it with specialized tools.
• Windshield Replacement Service: If the scratches are deep, and have impacted the structure of your car, you may need to change the whole windshield. Many service providers such as NuVision provide same-day windshield replacement services to ensure you are not inconvenienced.

Preventing Future Scratches

Scratches on the windshield wiper are expensive to repair and affect visibility when measures to prevent them are not taken. Here are some effective tips to minimize future wiper marks on your windshield:

• Take care of your wiper blades and replace worn wipers regularly
• Clean your windshield regularly to avoid dirt and particles settling on your windshield
• Never use your wipers on dry glass. Make sure the glass is wet with wiper fluid or water before using the wipers.
• Check your washer fluid levels frequently and refill them as required to avoid scratching the glass with dry wipers. 

Conclusion

Scratches on a windshield wiper are one of those inconveniences that, if not well dealt with, can cause a very big problem. Proper windshield wiper scratch repair at the right time will ensure there is no obstruction to visibility. If you take your time to clean your wipers and the windshield, you will avoid getting new scratches in the future, saving you time and money.

If the marks on your windshield are beyond a DIY fix, contact NuVision today. Our professional windshield repair restores clarity and ensures a safe driving experience.