How to Fix Auto Glass Scratches

auto glass repair

Your auto glass is very important. After all, it serves as your window of protection against the elements outside your car. This is why you have to make sure that it’s always in top-notch condition. This means that you have to make sure that you fix scratches immediately. Not only do they look bad; they’re also potentially dangerous as a hairline scratch can lead to your auto glass shattering.

Can You Fix them Yourself?

Of course, it’s always best to go to a shop that specializes in fixing these scratches. This is especially true if you’re not sure how serious the scratches are. But if in case you want to know how to fix them, it’s good to know that there are ways on how to do it yourself.

How to Fix these Scratches

These steps are only applicable for light scratches. Here are the steps that you need to follow in order to fix these light scratches:

1. Gather the things that you need. You need a spray glass cleaner, a toothpaste and baking soda mixture (three parts toothpaste with baking soda as among its ingredients and one part baking soda), and terry towel.

2. Start by cleaning the auto glass carefully. Make sure to put more focus on the scratches and the immediate areas around them.

3. Apply the toothpaste and baking soda mixture to the scratches and the immediate areas around them. Use your fingers to apply the mixture. Rub it in using your fingers in a circular motion.

4. Allow the mixture to set for about 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Use a terry towel to buff the areas. Buff in a circular motion and apply moderate pressure. For light scratches, you may need to buff for up to 20 minutes.

6. Rinse the areas free of the mixture. Clean once again with the spray cleaner. Repeat the complete process if you can still see light scratches.

What about for Deeper Scratches?

For deeper scratches on your auto glass, you can buy a windshield repair kit from an auto shop near you. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Clean the surface with your favorite car wash soap and water.

2. Rinse the surface well and dry it using a microfiber towel. This ensures that no trace of dirt will remain on the surface.

3. At this point, it’s just a matter of following the directions on the windshield repair kit. The best kits come with a rubbing compound. You need to apply this compound using a clean cloth or your hands depending on the product.

4. Allow the compound to settle. Follow the instructions on how long you should allow it to settle.

5. Buff the area using a terry cloth. If possible, you can use a rotary buffer designed for cars.

When in Doubt, Go to an Auto Glass Shop

If you think that the scratches are too deep or you’re unable to remove them using the steps above, take your car to a professional. They have the tools and expertise to fix scratches or to replace the glass if necessary.