Long Festive Road Trips: 7 Windshield Checks to Make Before You Leave

The festival season in India often brings joy, celebration and long-distance trips with family and friends. These trips involve spending several hours on the road and navigating differing weather conditions, from rain to hot summers. To do so, you need to keep your windshield well maintained by performing a series of checks.

In this blog, we will discuss different checks in detail to help you enjoy a hassle-free trip.

1. Check for Chips and Cracks

Chips and cracks can affect windshield visibility and structural integrity if you don't address them immediately. Some common types of chips and cracks you should look out for are:

• Star Break Cracks
• Bull’s-Eye Cracks
• Half-Moon Cracks
• Bee's Wing Cracks
• Clover Leaf Cracks

In case you spot any of them, consider visiting a professional windshield crack repair service for timely repairs. However, if the cracks or chips are larger than a ₹2 coin or in your line of sight, you may need to replace your windshield.

At AIS Windshield Experts, we use the latest tools to repair windshield cracks and chips or replace severely damaged windshields with OEM windshields for the best results.

2. Inspect Windshield Visibility

Scratches, dirt, debris buildup, and environmental conditions can affect your windshield's visibility. Dirt and debris like road oil and dust can create an uneven, film-like layer that can blur your view and affect driving judgment. Similarly, scratches can distort light, especially at night, reducing visibility.

Environmental conditions like rain and condensation can also create a whitish film on the windshield. So if you notice any of these issues, consider windshield scratch repair as soon as possible.

3. Check Wiper Blades

Check your wiper blades to see whether they move smoothly across the windshield. If they skip or chatter, check whether the rubber blade is worn, cracked or hardened. If the rubber is damaged, replace the wiper blades immediately with an OEM-approved set to avoid windshield damage or smears during heavy rainfall, which can obstruct visibility.

4. Clean the Windshield and Camera Area

Keep your windshield and the cameras mounted on it clean. Use a soft microfibre cloth and a warm, soapy solution to remove dust, debris or residue. This ensures your windshield and ADAS camera area offer unobstructed views of the road ahead.

5. Check Washer Fluid and Spray Function

Washer fluid helps keep your windshield clean by removing dirt, grime, bugs and snow buildup. It also lubricates your wiper blades and prevents them from stiffening, which can prevent scratches on the windshield.

Make sure your car’s washer fluid levels are topped up by opening the washer fluid reservoir. If they aren’t, top them up with OEM-specified washer fluid right away. Also check whether the spray function works by turning the lever in the car.

6. Inspect Windshield Edges and Seals

Visually inspect the windshield seal for gaps, as these can cause water and wind leaks.

Also, check the windshield edges by pressing around them to make sure they're tightly attached. If it isn't, get your windshield aligned right away.

7. Check ADAS and Visibility-Related Alerts

Drive to an empty road or ground and thoroughly test your ADAS cameras. Also check whether they are positioned correctly. If readings are incorrect or the camera is displaced, visit a professional windshield repair workshop that also provides ADAS calibration services.

Conclusion

A quick windshield inspection can help you prepare for a long festive journey by ensuring uninterrupted visibility for the roads ahead. If you spot any damage or other issues during the inspection, visit a professional windshield replacement and repair service immediately for timely action.

At AIS Windshield Experts, we offer high-quality windshield replacement, repair and ADAS recalibration services (currently only in Noida) to keep you safe on future trips.