Any windshield scratch can affect the visibility of the road. If you can’t see correctly out of your windshield, accidents could occur. You don’t have to replace the windshield, but you can fix it, especially if the scratches are minor. The scratches can occur due to improper cleaning, defective wiper blades, damage due to ice scrapers, and road debris. Based on the depth of the scratch, you can fix or replace the windshield.

What to Do to Fix Scratches on Your Windshield

Before fixing scratches, it’s wise to determine the depth of the scratches. Run the fingers over the scratch; if your nail catches, the gash is deep. The significant damage is hard to fix, but smooth and shallow scratches are fixable. Deep scratches continue to enlarge until your windshield breaks. It’s therefore wise to ask a glass repair specialist for advice.

Using Cerium Oxide Polish

Put on rubber gloves and dust masks. Cerium oxide powder is a harsh irritant. Ensure you are very careful as the powder may fling into the air. Also, wear goggles to eliminate any possibility of polish splashing into your eyes. Make sure you work in a ventilated environment.

Preparation of Cerium Paste

• Estimate how much powder you will need to fill in the scratches on your windshield.
• You can start with two tablespoons.
• Combine the powder with warm water to form a paste. Put 1-part water for every two parts of powder you use.
• Mix them with a mixing stick to form a paste, ensure the paste consistency.
• Apply the polish with a buffing pad and an electric drill.
• Co the buffing pad to the end of the drill. Once the cloth is secure, dip into the paste and apply the scratched areas.
• Switch on the drill and run the edge of the pad back and forth along with the scratches.
• Mop away the excess paste with a microfiber cloth.

Acrylic Scratch Remover

An acrylic scratch remover is an easy solution for small damages. It fills scratches in and chemically reacts with glass to fix it.

• Apply a little amount of the remover on a cotton cloth
• Rub the cloth over the scratch for about a minute
• Let the remover sit for 20-30 minutes.
• Clean the glass with a soft cloth
• Gently buff out the remaining damage.

Use of Toothpaste

Toothpaste works, but it takes several applications to fill in scratches. Use a non-gel toothpaste with baking soda or mix white toothpaste with one teaspoon of baking soda. Later buff it into the scratches with a  microfiber cloth or buffing pad.

• Apply the toothpaste on the scratches and wipe off excess paste when done
• Toothpaste has an upper hand of being safer to use though it isn’t immediately effective.

Glass Scrub Compound

The product cleans stubborn dirt and grime off the glass. However, it can fix minor scratches on the car windshield glass. The scrub is unpleasant if rubbed on the mirror for a long time. It works similar to toothpaste by leveling the glass around the damage.

• Apply some of the compounds on a damp microfiber cloth
• Rub the cloth on the scratch with a rotational motion with even pressure
• In between every rotation, spray the area with a little distilled water. Ensure the site doesn’t dry while you are rubbing it, or it can cause other slight scratches
• Apply a little amount of the compound repeatedly
• Repeat the application regularly over several days until the scratch is no longer

Buffing Machine with Water Pump

A buffing machine with distilled water can also level out the area around the scratch and fix it. It’s only useful for small scratch as leveling out on a deep scratch would cause more damage.

• Clean the body of the car around the windshield
• Make a dam out of several layers of duct tape on the windshield to use water efficiently.
• Stick one strip of duct tape vertically on the surface, sticking another piece to its sticky side.
• Repeat the procedure, but now with the tape stuck horizontally.
• Pump the distilled water and buff the area until there is no more damage.
• Clean up the residue and remove the coverings from the car’s body

Can a Scratched Windshield Be Repaired?

The repair of a scratch depends on the depth and length; if it’s too deep, it’s impossible to fix. When the windshield experienced significant damage, the auto glass optics become uneven and cause eyestrain while driving. At this point, it’s worth replacing the windshield than repairing.

Check this too: How to Clean Tinted Windows

Can a Toothpaste Remove Scratches from the Windshield?

Toothpaste can fix small scratches on a windshield. Ensure you use the non-gel paste and apply it several times to be effective. Use a soft cloth and smear the toothpaste gently on the scratch.

Does WD 40 Remove Scratches from Glass?

WD 40 can remove scratches using a paper towel. Spray the right amount of WD 40 on the scratch, then give it some elbow grease. Wipe firmly until the scratches fade away.

Scratches on the windshield can occur due to ice scrapers, debris, defective wiper blade, and more. The hardened rubber or small debris caught in the blades will quickly scratch the windshield. It’s wise always to inspect your windshield for any damage to repair it before getting out of hand quickly. If the damage is immense, consult the glass experts.