4 Types Of Auto Glass Gunk & How To Safely Remove Them
Is your windshield looking like a mess? Is it covered in dirt, bugs, and grime from the last time you drove to work? If so, keep reading! Auto glass can be a delicate material to clean. It’s best not to use any harsh chemicals, as this will only cause scratches and cracks in your windshield or other windows on the car. This article will teach you about four types of auto glass gunk that are common on windshields. It also includes tips for safely removing each type of gunk from the car’s windshield. So next time your car needs a clean up, refer back here!
1) Chewing gum
Chewing gum is a total pain to remove from any surface, but with the right approach you can get it off your vehicle window without scratching the glass. Here’s what you need to do:
- Don some gloves (you don’t know who’s mouth that gum came out of).
- Pull up as much of the gum as you can.
- Grab a few ice cubes, toss them in a sandwich bag, and hold it against the remaining gum until it solidifies completely.
- Peel the remaining goop off with dish soap or diluted alcohol solution to clean up any residue and finish by washing your window glass with soapy water!
2) Spray paint
You might feel a little queasy when you see that random spray of paint on one of your vehicle windows, but don’t worry! It turns out the process is actually quite easy. Here are some safety tips:
- Grab a plastic blade and use the edge of it to gently scrape the paint from the surface of the glass.
- Make sure you use long, steady strokes and only scrape in one direction.
- Pour a small amount of acetone nail polish remover on a microfiber cloth and gently rub the area you just scraped. Be careful not to get acetone near your vehicle’s paint or near the edges of your windshield where the seal is!
- Rinse the area with water and thoroughly wash the vehicle.
It doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking process. If you don’t want the hassle of removing paint yourself, contact your local auto glass repair shop for situation specific advice and they might even help out with removal!
3) Wiper tracks
Do you feel like you’re always seeing streaks where your windshield wiper blades move? Those marks are likely due to one of two things: residue or glass damage. If the markers seem more stubborn, they could be caused by something as simple as dirt and oils left behind from driving with rain-soaked windows.
In this instance, clean them off using a soft lint-free cloth that’s been soaked in alcohol based cleaner for about 30 seconds before wiping away debris along the surface again and then drying it thoroughly afterwards so there is no chance of moisture being trapped underneath which can cause streaking once again.
If you’ve repeatedly tried to remove wiper marks to no avail, chances are high that the problem is etched-in windshield damage caused by the metal components of your wipers. To determine if this has been happening on a regular basis, gently glide your fingers over any areas where you notice these troublesome markings.
A damaged windshield can be hazardous, not only to you but for those around you. The earlier the damage is taken care of, the safer your driving experience will be and so it’s best that any scratches are inspected as soon as possible by a professional.
4) Stickers or Decals
The best way to remove an old decal from a vehicle window is by using adhesive remover. This substance will dissolve the glue that holds the sticker in place and allow you to peel it off easily without scratching your glass!
If you have stickers on any of your vehicles, or if one should happen to come loose for some reason, never use metal scrapers or razor blades because they can scratch up the surface with even just a little pressure applied. Use adhesives removers instead as these substances are designed specifically so that they’ll break down whatever kind of sticker glue there may be left behind before removing them effortlessly while also preventing damage caused by scratches.
Do you need your car windows repaired? No worries, we’re here for you! Whether it’s mobile service or in-shop repairs that fit your needs and schedule better, our team at Modesto Auto Glass & Windshield Repair Specialist has the solution. To get started with a quote today give us a call right now or request one online to see what fits best for you!
