If you have just replaced your windscreen, it could be for several reasons. Perhaps a large crack obscured your vision, or maybe someone deliberately smashed the screen. You will doubtless notice that, through the new glass, you can see much more clearly than before. Even if there were no stone chips on the old windscreen, it probably had several scratches to which you had grown accustomed.

Here are some tips on keeping your windscreen replacement damage-free.

1) Keep it clean

Whenever your car is outside, the windscreen is subjected to dirt. On the road, other cars' tyres throw it up. On the driveway, the problems include leaves, tree sap and bird droppings. Washing your windscreen regularly will stop these substances from taking hold, and prevent your wipers from smearing them across the screen, causing scratches.

2) Don't neglect the wipers

You use your wipers more often than you might think. Obviously, they are switched on when it rains – but what about when you want to clear away flies, or remove the spray from the truck in front that has just gone through a puddle? Wiper blades wear down after repeated use and cause streaking and smearing, but they also catch grit and dirt thrown up from the road, which leads to scratches. It is therefore important to replace them regularly, and keep them clean and grit-free.

3) Lift the fog

The inside of your windscreen may be protected, but when you get into the car in cold or humid weather, a film of fog is formed. People usually wipe it off with a cloth or de-misting pad, but if this is contaminated with dirt or grit, the windscreen could be scratched. To prevent damage, make sure that you keep your cloth or pad in the glove compartment and only remove it when needed. That way, it will not drop on the floor, and so it will be clean for when it is next required.

As an additional measure, apply anti-fogging substance to the windscreen's interior surface. This product is readily available in auto accessories shops and can be ordered online. It forms an invisible film that prevents condensation forming and removes the need to wipe the windscreen.

4) Repair sooner rather than later

If you get a small chip in your windscreen, it could develop into a large crack. Prevent this happening by having it repaired as soon as possible. The process is quick and simple, and you might not even need to visit the repair shop – it can often be done at your convenience by a technician at your home or place of work. Better still, many insurers offer windscreen repairs free of charge.

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