How to Repair Windshield Scratches
Winter arrives and the semi passing you tosses up a pebble of some sort, and it immediately migrates your way to your windshield. Or, a piece of gravel from a dump truck in front of you plunks right against your windshield, leaving you with a chip and a, potentially, costly bill.
Things You Will Need:
- Rags
- Glass Polish
- Buffing Pads
- Windshield Cleaner
- Variable Speed Drill
- Glass Rubbing Compound
If damage to your vehicle’s windshield should occur, do not let panic set in. Before divvying out money for a new windshield or a costly repair, consider repairing the windshield yourself, following the step-by-step instructions set out below.
Instructions on How to Repair Windshield Scratches:
- Conduct a basic test by rubbing your fingernail back and forth over the scratch. If your fingernail does not catch the scratch, a variable speed drill, and glass compound and polish can buff out the scratch.
- Clean the windshield thoroughly with an auto windshield cleaner before proceeding with any of the following steps. Caution: Inspect the windshield for any debris prior to cleaning the windshield to avoid any further scratching.
- Place a buffing pad upon a variable speed drill, applying glass rubbing compound onto it.
- Apply gentle pressure to the windshield, working the rubbing compound in small circular motions. Note: Keep the scratched area wet during the time of the repair.
- Clean the renewed surface with a rag after a few minutes of buffing.
- Remove the buffing pad from the variable speed drill, and apply a glass polish onto a new buffing pad, placing it on the variable speed drill.
- Work the polish, as before, softly into the scratch. You may do so up to, but no more than, moderate pressure.
- Buff the glass polish until the scratch ceases to exist.