Windshield Functions and Ways to Keep It in Great Condition

Many car owners don't pay attention to windshields until after they incur damage. However, the windshield is an integral part of your car's structure, and it enhances or distracts from the driving experience. Explore some crucial functions of the windshield and care tips to protect the glass from damage. 

What Does a Windshield Do?

Windshields have many important functions. Learn about a few of the most relevant ones.

Maintains a Clear View

A windshield offers clear and unobstructed views of the road to give the driver maximum visibility at all times. However, the windshield only gives clear views if it's free from dirt, cracks, and grime. 

Thus, it's advisable to frequently clean the windshield's interior and exterior to remove any grime and streaks that obstruct your view. Fortunately, there are commercial spray cleaners that simplify the cleaning process. 

A microfiber cloth is best suited for the job as it's gentle, unlike abrasive towels that scratch the glass. Also, use rubbing alcohol to remove any grease that accumulates on the windshield. After cleaning, the windshield should be sparkling and clear. 

Keep in mind that a chipped windshield also obstructs your vision on the road. Small chips also grow larger with time, and large cracks neglected over time can cause the windshield to eventually shatter. To prevent extensive damage, take your car to auto glass specialists as soon as you notice windshield cracks. 

Provides Protection From Flying Objects

Windshields protect you and your passengers from flying debris, rain, and dust. In fact, a windshield makes driving enjoyable as no stones or bugs can come into your vehicle. Further, it offers shelter during rainy or stormy weather. 

Modern windshields are incredibly strong and durable to protect car occupants from the elements. Although it looks thin, a windshield consists of two pieces of laminated safety glass with a plastic layer in between. The result is a shatterproof windshield that resists cracks and scratches. 

Supports the Roof

Auto engineers design windshields to primarily enhance a car's structural integrity. Specifically, a windshield prevents the roof from collapsing in case of a rollover accident. Modern cars rely on the windshield for roof support.

According to SafeWindshields.org, the windshield delivers up to 45% of the cabin's structural integrity during a front-end collision and 60% in a rollover. In other words, the windshield absorbs a lot of impact during an accident and ensures the roof doesn't collapse on passengers. 

As a result, you and your passengers avoid serious injuries. Since the windshield reinforces a car's frame, get high-quality auto glass and consult professional auto glass specialists for repair and replacements. A properly installed windshield may save your life in an accident.

Prevents Ejection

You and your passengers risk ejection if you don't wear seat belts during a car crash. However, the windshield serves as a barrier that keeps occupants in the vehicle in case of an accident. If the force of a car crash ejects you from a car, you're likely to sustain fatal injuries. A windshield spares you and your passengers from life-threatening concussions or death. 

Supports Airbag Deployment

In case of a front-end collision, your car's airbags burst and provide a safe spot for the occupants to collide with. As a result, you and your passengers escape fatal injuries that can occur if you collide with the car's interior. 

Airbags deploy correctly if the windshield is intact. In fact, the windshield is a part of your car's Safety Restraint System (SRS), along with seat belts and airbags. These components work together during a collision to reduce impact and discourage serious injuries.

How Can You Enhance the Windshield's Function?

As demonstrated above, your windshield has integral functions that enable your car to travel on different kinds of roads. In addition to protecting occupants from extreme weather and flying rocks, the windshield also absorbs most of the impact from collisions. 

However, you need to care for the windshield correctly to ensure it protects your passengers. The tips below are a great starting point for proper windshield maintenance. 

Park in Shaded Areas

Hot temperatures are brutal on vehicles as they cause the auto glass to expand. As a result of the heat, stress cracks can appear on the windshield and obstruct your vision. Thus, opt for shaded areas when you need to park your car.

Replace Worn-Out Wiper Blades

Wiper blades promote your visibility on the road, but faulty ones damage the windshield. Worn-out blades scratch the glass and leave streaks and warrant a new windshield in case of extensive damage. 

Don't Slam Car Doors

Slamming doors cause intense vibrations that expand tiny cracks into large spider webs. Instead, be gentle when shutting your car doors and watch out for windshield cracks.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Some commercial glass cleaners have harsh chemicals like ammonia that degrade a windshield's tint. What's more, some car owners pair these cleaners with abrasive sponges that scratch the glass. Thus, use windshield-friendly cleaners and microfiber cloths, or make cleaners with household products like vinegar. 

Now that you are aware of the functions and care of a windshield, you need auto glass specialists for expert repair and replacement. At MS Glass Outlet, we have a professional team that caters to your windshield concerns. Call us today to keep your windshield in excellent shape.