Few things are more annoying and frustrating than having scratches on the surface of your car window. Not only is it irritating to look at, but it also lessens the sleekness and aesthetic appeal of your vehicle.
Luckily, there are solutions to this problem. We shall look at practical and inexpensive ways to get rid of those unsightly scratches. These solutions will make leave your car windows looking good as new.
Simple Ways To Eliminate Car Window Scratches
Here are practical and straightforward ways to deal with scuffs and scratches on your car window.
1. Determine the depth of the scratch
Surface level scratches can easily be fixed. You should seek professional help for deeper scratches or cracks. Do not attempt to fix cracks by yourself.
2. Choose your surface application fluid
There are various application fluids you can select to use on your car’s glass window. These fluids have varying levels of effectiveness. When used correctly, these fluids can eliminate or conceal scratches.
The surface application fluids that you use include:
Cerium oxide-based products: They are by far the most effective and reliable applicants to use on scratches. Cerium oxide gets in between scratches and binds the glass molecules.
They are also preferable, as cerium oxide is not toxic. The only downside is that it causes mild eye irritation, so be careful when applying it.
Use resin: Resin is also quite effective. The depth of the scratch should determine the type of resin you choose. High-viscosity resin is ideal when dealing with deep scratches. For surface-level scratches, you should use low-viscosity resin.
Acrylic scratch remover: This is an effective and inexpensive solution to eliminating scratches.
Other common scratch removers are toothpaste, silver metal polish, baking soda, and glass etching cream.
3. Clean the area around the scratch
You will need to wipe off any dirt and dust on the scratched surface of the glass. Leaving dust on the windows will reduce the effectiveness of the bind, especially if you are using Cerium oxide.
4. Applying the scratch remover
Once the surface is clean, you can tape off the area around the scratch. Isolating the scratch will help you to avoid wasting your scratch remover. Ensure you use enough of the fluid for the best results.
The fluid should be applied with a soft cloth to avoid additional scratching. Use a reasonable amount of force to rub the fluid into the scratch. Let the scratch remover dry, and add other layers if necessary.
You will need to keep rubbing and applying your scratch remover. This is to ensure that the fluid settles deep into the scratches for the best results.
The best way to ensure that the remover gets deep inside the cracks is by buff polishing. You will need to polish the scratch and apply the remover several times till the scratch is completely gone.
5. Wipe off the scratch remover
Once you are satisfied that you have applied enough remover, the last step is to wipe it off. For this, you will require a soft microfiber cloth and warm water. Do this gently so as not to aggravate the scratch further or add new scratches.
For deeper scratches, you will need to repeat steps 1 through 5 repeatedly. You will notice that the deeper grooves will fade and disappear with time. This requires you to have a lot of patience, so do not rush it.
If you do not see changes to the scratched surface, then you will need to change your fluid. If the problem persists, seek help from a professional.
How To Prevent Your Windows From Getting Scratches
Preventing scratches is cheaper than fixing them. Many car owners are oblivious of how their windows get scratches in the first place.
Let us take a look at some of the most effective ways to protect your car windows from getting scratches.
Inspect the rubber underneath your wipers regularly
Most windshields develop scratches as a result of worn-out rubber padding underneath the wipers. The friction caused by the wipers tends to leave unsightly arch-like scratches on the windshield.
It will also help if you invest in good quality windshield wipers. The cheap ones tend to wear out faster.
Top up your wiper fluid regularly
Wiper fluid provides the required lubrication underneath the wipers to prevent scratching. It is therefore imperative that you inspect the fluid regularly. Replenish it frequently to avoid scratching your windshield.
Take time to clean your car windows
Accumulating dirt and dust on the surface of your car window leaves it prone to developing scratches. You should therefore take your time and clean the windows gently to get rid of dirt and debris.
Be careful when using ice scrapers
During winter, it can be pretty challenging to defrost your car windows safely. You should really be careful when chiseling away on your glass panes.
Do not use scrapers with excessively sharp edges. Also, it would help to use minimal force when picking away at the ice around your window.
A practical solution to avoiding damage due to snow and ice would be to cover the glass surfaces. Using car covers is an inexpensive yet functional way to prevent scratches.
Be careful when removing stickers
This is a surprisingly common source of scratches. Most people tend to scrape away at old tags and stickers. This inadvertently causes scratches and scuffs on the surface of the window.
The best way to remove stickers from car windows is by using adhesive removers. The most popular commercial removers are goo is gone and WD-40.
Are DIY Scratch Solutions Worth It?
DIY solutions are great only for shallow groves. If you attempt to fix deeper scratches, there is every chance that you could make the problem worse.
Conclusion
Most surface-level scratches can easily be removed. The most effective way to get rid of such scratches is to use Cerium oxide-based products. Deeper groves take time to repair and conceal. For deeper cracks, you should seek help from a professional.
