June 26, 2022
You look at it every day, yet you don't really see it. We're talking about your vehicle's windshield, and if you're not seeing it at all, that's probably a good sign. The fact is that unless our windshields get fogged up, hazy or cracked, we don't pay all that much attention to them. Considering how vital front visibility is in a vehicle, paying a little more attention to your windshield will pay off in the long run.
Keep it clean! In ancient times when gas stations had attendants who filled your tank for you, they used to clean the outside of your windshield while the fuel was being dispensed. In these days of self-serve gas, we don't have that luxury any more. But it's a good idea to clean your windshield regularly, even when it's not filthy. If you let dirt build up on the outside, it acts like fine sandpaper when you turn on your wipers when the glass is dry. Really, try to avoid turning on your wipers unless your windshield is wet. If you must use your wipers to clear off something like bird droppings, use your washers liberally to help avoid scratches.
It's also important to wash the inside of the windshield, too. Even if you're not a smoker, you might notice the inside glass sometimes get a greasy film on it. That's the plastic inside your vehicle off-gassing petroleum products that they're made of. A hazy windshield when you are driving directly into low sun can blind you. Use soaps that are made for automotive glass since they won't streak or harm vehicle interiors. Your service advisor can recommend some.
Keep an eye on your windshield wiper blades. Let them go too long without replacing them and you might wind up with the metal wiper frame actually touching the glass, a recipe for major scratches when you turn your wipers on.
Finally, do a quick inspection every once in a while for chips in your windshield glass. Catch them quickly and they can be repaired while they're still small. Often they will spread into a major crack, and at that point you'll have to have the whole thing replaced.
So there you have it. Give your windshield a little love and it will reward you back with a beautifully clear view of the road up ahead.
Tuffy Kentwood (Kalamazoo Ave SE)
4384 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Kentwood, Michigan 49508
616.301.1436
December 8, 2024
The internal combustion engine in your vehicle counts on two things that mix together to be burned in the engine for power: fuel and air. Both are important, of course. If you run out of fuel, your engine wont run at all. Since theres plenty of air around, you wont run out of air, but you coul... More
December 1, 2024
Youve probably already heard that regular oil changes are extremely important for the health of your vehicles engine. Thats sound advice. But what you might not know is when it comes to motor oil, the real thing may not be the best thing for your engine. There are different types of motor oil: ... More
November 24, 2024
If you've ever had a flat tire, then you know welcome it is to have a spare tire that is properly inflated, in good shape and easy to get to. Problem is many of us don't even give our spare tire (if we even have one) a second thought. If you have an SUV or truck with a spare, it may be mounted o... More