Can Windshields Be Polished?
3 Answers
Minor scratches can be polished. 1. Small sand particle abrasions: If the glass surface has become rough and its transparency has deteriorated due to wear from small sand particles or severe scratches caused by wiper blades rubbing against sand particles, polishing and grinding treatment should be performed. 2. Long-distance driving: Generally, if a vehicle has traveled 50,000 kilometers or more, the damage to the car glass is more severe, and it is best to perform windshield polishing and repair. 3. Shallow scratches: Polishing can be done. For large-area deep scratches, manual operation usually cannot achieve a precise grinding effect, and in such cases, it is recommended to replace the glass.
As someone who frequently helps friends with car issues, I believe windshields can indeed be polished, but it depends on the depth of the scratches and the condition of the glass. If it's just minor surface scratches, like those caused by tree branches or small stones, professional polishing machines and glass-specific abrasives can remove them and restore clarity. However, be cautious with the process—don't casually use toothpaste or coarse tools at home, as this might worsen the scratches or damage the glass's reinforced layer, reducing visibility and compromising driving safety. I've seen many cases where DIY attempts left the windshield even more blurred, making nighttime driving in the rain more dangerous. I recommend getting a professional assessment first; the cost is reasonable, starting from just a few dozen dollars, which is much more economical than replacing the entire windshield. Regular glass cleaning can also reduce the need for polishing. In short, minor issues can be resolved quickly, so don't overlook routine maintenance.
From my years of driving experience, windshield polishing is nothing new, especially for older cars where small scratches tend to accumulate and affect visibility. I remember when the windshield of my old car became a bit blurry, I used a car glass polishing kit to slowly work on it. First, I cleaned it thoroughly, then applied polishing compound evenly with a soft cloth, gently buffing for a few minutes. It did help reduce the marks, but the effect was limited—deep scratches or cracks couldn't be removed at all. In fact, it made the glass thinner, and I noticed increased wind noise at high speeds. Now, I remind my friends not to insist on polishing just to save money—safety comes first. Replacing the windshield costs just a few thousand yuan, which is worth it in the long run. Usually, parking less under trees and avoiding wiper blades with sand particles that can scratch the glass are key.
