Automotive Glass: Seeing Things More Clearly
By: Grant W. RepsherThe importance of clean glass
Wiper care basics
Keeping your washer fluid full
The reality of chips and cracks
Tinting your glass: An overviewJust because you gaze through it every time you drive, doesn't mean you see it.
Any way you look at it, the glass components of the modern-day vehicle are often taken for granted. While the windows (and systems for keeping them clear) are crucial for both the safe and efficient operation of your car, with the exception of an occasional squeegee, their maintenance is often "overlooked." Yet this area is one ripe for do-it-yourself care, and should be considered as often as one might check their tire pressure or oil.
Good visibility is something people often refer to when describing the view from the driver's position. And while this may seem like an obvious requirement for safe driving, potential obstructions like pillars and windshield framing are generally the culprits and cause for concern. Even more critical, however, is the actual condition of the glass, wipers and windshield washers -- all of which should be in good working order.
It is estimated that at least 1 out of 5 (20% of) auto collisions and accidents are the result of impaired vision due to a wet and/or dirty windshield. Even more troubling is that roughly 50% of all vehicles on the road have ineffective wipers due to wear.
One might think that, of all the exterior parts of the vehicle, glass may be the least strong or protective simply because it is clear. In actuality, glass used for automotive specifications is extremely strong and is an integral design of every car. It isn't just for keeping bugs out of your teeth, either. In the event of a frontal collision, it's the windshield (or windscreen, for those across the pond) that provides up to 45% of the interior cabin's structural integrity. In case things have really gone awry and the car actually rolls over, the number is more like 60%.
So when you consider that this is the last thing you look through before a crash and may be one of the last things protecting you at the unfortunate point of impact, isn't it worthwhile to take extra care of this transparent hero?
Regular cleaning inside and out is a good place to start as a preventative measure (when cleaning rear windows, be mindful not to scratch or break defrosting wires). Most streak-free glass cleaners work fine, and crumpled newspaper is the best material to wipe it off with as it's effective at cutting through bug remains, sap, and the like. Once cleaned, the best way to keep things clear is to protect the outside glass with a wax-like coating available from your local parts store, pharmacy, or discount retailer. This will encourage water to bead and allow it to blow off in the wind, which in turn means you'll need to use your wipers less (i.e. preserve them more) and your glass will stay cleaner, longer.
Some of the reasons people have traditionally turned a blind eye to replacing their wipers include the need to find the right style or size, figuring out how to physically get that little clasp to catch, and in some cases, simply not realizing they need replacement. Fortunately, this is an area that should be regularly checked by your mechanic or technician at your scheduled services, however if your wipers begin to fail (streaking, ineffective cleaning), it pays to be able to swap them out yourself.
While there are several styles out there, unless you drive something as obscure as a 70's Citroen or modern exotic, your neighborhood parts store should carry either manufacturer or aftermarket replacement parts for your vehicle. Typically, the windshield wiper system is made of several parts including an electric motor, worm gear, sensors, etc., but for the most part you will only be concerned with the wiper blades.
Technically speaking, the wiper blade is really just the actual rubber strip that's in direct contact with the windshield. Over time, exposure to the elements and wiping away all of that water, snow, bird-do and general dirt (especially with a chipped or pocked windshield) will cause nicks and cracks in the blades.
In some cases, the wiper blade itself may be replaced on its curved fastener; other times the blade is designed to be a permanent part of the fastener, meaning the "wiper blade" includes everything from the twisting arm on. Either way, modern blades are easy to replace (when in doubt, consult your owner's manual), and most auto parts stores will install them free of charge.
Nothing will deteriorate your visibility quicker than running out of windshield washer fluid, especially in the Northern hemisphere during the spring when roads are their dirtiest and wettest. Because your car gives you a heads-up display or audible warning that you're running low, and because washer fluid is available at every gas station, retailer, and parts store for a buck, though, you are left with few excuses for running dry.
Other than this, the only other malfunctions with this component are clogged, split, or loose hoses, or an actual problem with the washer fluid pump. If you can't locate the issue simply by tracing the hose under the hood back to reservoir, then it's a small but very annoying problem best left for your dealer or local garage.
Be sure to check the operation of your headlight washer and wiper system (if so equipped) each time you fill up your washer fluid reservoir, as their malfunction might not be as obvious to the naked eye.
Chipping/CrackingUnfortunately, stone chips and small cracks from other debris are a simple fact of driving life. Even whilst practicing safe driving habits and maintaining proper distances between you and the forward vehicles will these destructive (and loud) objects eventually pelt your windshield. Basically, any chip will have an effect on the integrity of your glass. However, if we had to go out and replace the very expensive windshield every time this happened, there wouldn't be much time (or money) left for, well, anything else.
Most states have similar laws regarding the typical size allowance for actual windshield cracks. As a general rule, if the flat side of a dime can cover the chip or crack, you are probably still okay. Any larger than that, though, and you may be in violation of the law. Frankly, though, if the crack is much larger than a dime it's likely to spread with any significant changes in pressure or temperature, and will need to be repaired anyway.
Repairing
If you are diligent enough to drag yourself into an auto glass shop before the crack spreads, then it's possible that it can be repaired. There are some elaborate systems out there that use high heat/electricity to "fuse" the glass around the area of the chip. While there may be a slightly blurry spot where the repair was made, this approach may be better than the alternative -- a full replacement that could run you several hundreds of dollars. Leave yourself a few hours (on a dry day) and a budget up to a hundred bucks for such a fix.
It seems that most people have accepted that things do happen (faultless or otherwise) to automotive glass. Therefore, most insurance companies have implemented rules and regulations that apply specifically to the glass on your vehicle. Typically, there is a very low ($50) or even no deductible on glass, so inconvenience aside, it's well worth getting that glass repaired.
Tinting
The rules regarding window tinting vary state to state and are frequently not enforced -- meaning they're just about as grey as the shade they provide. Even in states where tinting is "illegal," you will find very reputable automotive aftermarket retailers willing to provide you with a host of different tinting options and products.Tinting itself is a very effective way not only to protect the interior of your vehicle by eliminating harmful UV rays that can fade inside materials, but it also reduces glare (that increased visibility thing) and certainly keeps you car cooler in the warmer temperatures, which in turn requires less air conditioning, which increases fuel mileage, which leads to less dependence on foreign oil, etc. That may be a bit of a stretch, but you get the idea. Also, it provides a degree of privacy and often compliments the look of your vehicle. Budget anywhere from $150 to $250 for a professional job on a 5-window sedan.
So, as you can clearly see, there is much more to your car's glass than meets the eye. As with all auto maintenance, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Grant W. Repsher is the founder of Servassist Online. He is a writer with Automotive News, the auto industry's premier trade publication, and a former contributing editor with the AIADA (American International Automobile Dealers Association). To contact Grant about this article or to suggest future topics, please click here.
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