Rain makes driving tricky – it reduces visibility and causes distractions. It also makes for unsightly smears that stop your car from looking its best. Help is at hand though, and we’ve gathered the basics of rainproofing your windshield to help you stay safe and smear-free. 

1. Get Good Wiper Blades

This is one of the most important steps in rainproofing your windshield. Despite forays into finding new ways to remove rain from windshields (McLaren is even thought to be looking at using sound waves), for the moment, choosing good wiper blades is one of the top ways of rainproofing your car’s windshield. 

What to look for in good wiper blades

• A hydroponic coating
• Even pressure to ensure a clean sweep and no streaks
• Ease of replacement – frequent replacement means peak performance

Poor quality windshield blades can also reduce the effectiveness of rain repellers. If your wiper blades are too abrasive, any treatment you add to your windshield will be worn down more quickly than if you have top-notch blades. 

2. Check For Cracks

Your windshield works hard to protect you, and it takes the brunt of stones, weather, and other debris. Sometimes the impact of these things can be enough to cause a crack or chip to form. Even the smallest crack can harbor dirt and debris. This can lead to larger, more dangerous cracks, which will compromise the safety efforts you’ve made to rainproof your windshield. 

If you notice even the smallest crack, it’s important to get in touch with a glass replacement specialist to fix the problem before it gets worse. 

3. Choose And Use A Waterproofing Product

There are many waterproofing products available, which work to add a protective barrier to your windshield. The products work by helping your wiper blades swoosh away water more effectively, leaving you with a clear, streak-free screen. 

4. Apply Your Rainproofing Product Well

Any rainproofing product is only as good as its application, so it’s essential to apply the product properly. The first step is to make sure the windshield is clean and dry. 

• Use an ammonia-based product to get rid of all visible dirt and any residual grease
• Rinse thoroughly – there mustn’t be any ammonia left on the windshield
• Dry the windshield with a lint-free towel – microfibre is ideal
• Apply the windshield protector as directed – take care to ensure there are no foreign bodies on the cloth that cause scratching
• When the rainproofing product is dry, buff it with a clean microfibre cloth, again taking care not to scratch it
• Allow it to cure for a few hours, then rinse and dry again

After you’ve applied your rainproofing product, you’ll just need to clean it with water. Avoid using chemicals that could damage the waterproof properties of the rainproofing product. 

Get A Quote

At Bama Auto Glass, we’ve been looking after windshields for over 20 years, so if you need any repairs or advice before rainproofing your windshield, just get in touch and our friendly team will organize a quote and answer any questions you have.