How To Remove Scratches From A Windshield

You should never drive with a windshield scratch. A scratch or scratches can cause sunlight to bounce off the windshield or make it impossible for your windshield wipers to remove all water completely. Both of these instances can decrease your visibility which puts not only you and your passengers at risk but additionally other drivers, bikers and pedestrians on the road. 

It’s fairly simple to remove light surface scratches, but when it comes to removing deep scratches from a windshield, you should enlist the help of a professional. In this blog, we’ll give a step-by-step guide on how to remove scratches from your windshield.

removing scratch from windshield, windshield scratch repair

The Materials You’ll Need to Remove Scratches From Your Windshield  

To remove scratches from a windshield, gather the necessary materials. You will need the following:

  • A microfibre cloth
  • Glass repair kit
  • Cerium Oxide Glass Bonding Compound
  • Glass cleaner like Windex
wiping the glass before performing windshield scratch repair

Step-by-Step Instructions For Removing Scratches From A Windshield

Step 1: Check The Depth Of The Scratch 

The first step is simple, touch the scratch to feel how deep it is. If it feels smooth and your finger doesn’t catch in the groove, you should be able to repair it yourself. If you’re removing windshield scratches from your windshield, you should contact an auto glass repair and replacement shop like Maple Auto Glass. If you attempt to repair deep scratches on your windshield yourself, you may end up damaging the auto glass beyond repair. It’s much better to fix a scratch than to replace a windshield as it’s a more expensive service. For more information about the cost of windshield replacement, check out our other blog, “What is the Cost of Windshield Replacement?” 

how to fix scratches on windshield

Step 2: Prepare Your Windshield

To prepare your windshield for scratch repair, spray it with glass cleaner, then wipe down the glass with a soft microfiber cloth to eliminate any dust, dirt and debris. Wait until the windshield is completely dry before proceeding to the next steps. Please note: you should remove scratches from the windshield in a shaded environment and ensure the windshield is at a temperature of no less than 10°C and no more than 20°C until your work is done. 

Step 3: Use Your Glass Repair Kit

You should have already purchased a glass repair kit from an auto repair shop or online. This glass repair kit should include a cerium oxide bonding compound. This substance bonds to the scratch, creating a seal that prevents it from worsening, cracking or breaking. 

To remove a small scratch or crack, place the compound directly on it from one end to another. Crouch down to observe the scratch at a 45-degree angle. If you see the scratch is now dark because it’s filled with resin, the job is done. If there are still air bubbles in the scratch, get inside your car. Apply slight pressure to either side and in the middle of the scratch from inside the windshield. 

To remove a chip or a larger scratch, use the applicator device that comes with the repair kit to remove air bubbles from the area. 

Lastly, you may need to fix any superficial blemishes in the repair area and then apply the curing strips included in the kit. 

how to remove scratches on windshield

Step 4:  Allow Windshield to Dry

The last step of removing scratches from your windshield is moving the car into direct sunlight to allow the repair site to dry. The cerium oxide takes about 10 minutes in total to dry. Take off the curing strips to ensure the compound has dried. If not, reapply the strips for a few more minutes. Once the compound is dry, use the razor blade that should come with the kit to scrape off any excess hardened compound. 

That’s it! Your windshield is road-ready again. 

When To Get Professional Help To Remove Scratches From Windshield

If you’re not confident in your ability to remove scratches from your windshield, you should enlist the help of an experienced Auto Glass Repair shop in Barrie. If the scratch is deeper than a few millimetres, longer than a few centimetres, or it has started to form a bulls-eye shape, it’s best to contact Maple Auto Glass for help, so you don’t risk damaging your windshield further. 

Why Choose Maple Auto Glass to Remove Scratches From Your Windshield

Maple Auto Glass is available for all your auto Glass needs in Barrie. We specialize in Auto Glass Replacement, Windshield Replacement and Windshield Repair in Barrie, Peterborough and the surrounding areas.  Get a free windshield replacement quote online, or give us a call today to learn more about our windshield scratch repair services.