subject: Windshield Protection And Maintenance [print this page] Whether you're out on the road and a small pebble bounces up, sending cracks through your windshield in all directions, or your little brother just so happens to hit a baseball through it, windshield damage can be one of the most painful and annoying types of auto damage that a person can have to deal with. The windshield, for many drivers, is the most used item of their entire automobile. It's also one of the biggest parts of keeping drivers safe on the road. It's all the stands between drivers and the open road.
There are some key ways that a windshield can be maintained and protected. Even in places where poor weather is prominent, a little maintenance and a little attention can go a long way in making sure that a vehicle's windshield is safe and well taken care of.
Windshield Wiper Replacement
One of the single cheapest ways to make sure your windshield stays in good shape is to replace your windshield wiper blades often. Most blades aren't hard to snap off and replace, nor are they expensive, ranging often times from $6-$20 each. They are made also by a variety of different auto part makers and are sold from specialty shops and at local car maintenance stores. An inspection of the wiper blades also is easy, simply run your hand and your eyes on one at a time and feel along for holes in the edge or torn pieces of rubber that could render the windshield wiper ineffective. If it leaves significant streaks during a rainstorm or doesn't appear to be hugging the contour of the glass, than it might be time to look into a replacement windshield wiper blade.
Windshield Washer Fluid
One item that goes hand-in-hand with the windshield and the windshield wiper blades is the washer fluid that will help them clean. Often green or turquoise, this fluid is one of the ones that should be checked before any likely adventure in the rain or in questionable weather. Windshield washer fluid keeps bugs from impeding your vision as a driver, and thus allows you better vision of the road and better planning when obstacles come up.
Car Repair
In the event that the unthinkable does happen though, and your windshield does require repair or replacement, there are many options available and some of them don't even require a direct fee. If you have full coverage of your vehicle, most of the time little cracks and even possibly big ones are entirely covered by the insurance.
