Nothing ruins the look of a vehicle quicker than deep scratches on the windshield. Not only are they so common and unsightly, they can also be a serious distraction when driving if they happen to be in your direct line of sight. If you’ve been thinking about removing these scratches, do it right away because these could grow larger or turn into cracks if left unaddressed.
In this article, we’ll tell you how to remove deep scratches from your windshield yourself, so you won’t have to pay a single dime at the auto shop.
Windshield: Repair or Replace?
Can you buff scratches out of glass? Absolutely—provided they are not too deep. An easy way to judge this would be to run your fingers over the part of the windshield with scratches. If your nail clearly gets caught in the scratch every time, it’s probably too deep, which means it’s irreparable and you will need a replacement windshield.
But if the scratches are not that deep, using an auto glass scratch remover kit might be able to do the trick. Here are the tools you need to pull off this DIY repair job:
- Windshield repair kit
- Rubbing compound with cerium oxide
- Drill and buffer extension
- A piece of soft cloth
Steps to Remove Scratches from a Windshield
Remember that having a certified automotive mechanic work on your car is always the safest choice. However, if you think you have enough DIY car repair experience to do this job, follow these steps to get the best results out of a glass scratch repair kit:
Step 1: Prepare a cerium oxide paste.
Cerium oxide is used for polishing a wide variety of materials, including glass, metals, and ceramics. Add a little bit of water to turn the chemical into paste.
Step 2: Clean the windshield.
Wash your windshield thoroughly with soap and water. Make sure that it’s completely clean and dry before you apply the cerium oxide paste.
Step 3: Apply the cerium oxide paste to the glass.
Slowly apply the cerium oxide paste to the scratches on the windshield. Never apply too much because this could result in an uneven finish.
Step 4: Buff it out.
Use the drill with a buffer extension to rub the solution into the scratch. Do this from right to left while making sure that you’re not stopping in one area. Also, do not apply too much pressure as this could make the finish uneven. Keep repeating the procedure until the scratches are not visible.
Step 5: Clean the windshield again.
Finally, spray clean water on the windshield and dry it using a piece of soft cloth. Carefully rub the area where the scratches used to be until all residue is gone.
You don’t have to keep getting frustrated every time you hop in your car and see the unpleasant scratches on your windshield. Set aside some time during the weekend to get rid of them, so you’ll have a much better time driving your car going forwards.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
