We would not be wrong to say that windshields are among the most important parts of any car. The direct line of sight for drivers passes through the windshields. This is why most countries around the world have outlawed driving with any sort of damage to a car’s windshield. Why not protect it then, especially if you own an expensive Tesla?
You can safeguard the windshield by parking your Tesla in a safe spot, gently handling the too-hot or cold glass, bringing vibrations to naught, fixing any cracks as soon as possible, adopting careful driving habits, and using favorable and protective products.
Common Causes of Tesla Windshield Damage
- Accident: Road mishaps can cause severe damage to the windshield, no matter how tough a car is. It is the riskiest reason for damage since cracks in such cases are generally beyond repair, and the windshields require a complete overhaul.
- Debris: Rocks and pebbles thrown by the traffic on a bumpy or rough patch can lead to cracks and scratches in the windshield. Such debris can stick to the tires of other cars and turn into hard-hitting projectiles as the tires rotate. Debris-loaded trucks can also throw their material into the traffic around.
- Weather: Winds and precipitation can prove to be a bane for windshields. High-speed winds and storms can throw debris and tree branches on cars, risking complete shattering. Similarly, hail can cause significant cracks and scratches in them. In August 2022, a user from Canada shared the ordeal of his Tesla Model 3 windshield damaged beyond repair due to heavy hailstorm.
- Temperatures Fluctuations: Sudden and swift changes in the temperature of the layered-structured glass can lead to multiple cracks. Since a similar type of glass is present in Tesla windshields, they break under such thermal stresses. When temperatures rise sharply, one layer of the windshield expands more rapidly than the other, exerting pressure and forming cracks.
- Bad Installation: If the windshield is not set firmly in the car, it will vibrate more. Such vibrations themselves are not hazardous unless there is already any crack present in the windshield, no matter how small. When a car moves over a bumpy road, or the bad suspension causes it to shake more, existing cracks lengthen up.
- Birds and Insects: Birds and insects colliding with the windscreen at high speeds can lead to damage. Moreover, bird droppings can easily cause scratches if not cleaned properly.
- Improper Care: Seemingly innocuous things can also lead to a lot of damage to windshields. For instance, a failure to replace worn-out wipers can leave scratches on the windshield. Similarly, removing frost and snow harshly can also lead to the same.
Steps to Protect Tesla Windshield From Damage
1. Avoid Temperature Fluctuations
You must be extremely careful while interacting with your car’s windshield when it is too cold or too hot. It will keep thermal stress-related fractures at bay. However, you must be cautious enough not to let the windshield’s temperature rise or fall too much in the first place. The best practice: Avoid parking your Tesla in an open sky. But if the windshield does reach any extreme temperature, say it gets too hot, avoid opening the front AC vents with full blast. Similarly, if it is covered with snow, never defrost it too swiftly. Several Tesla owners have reported their windshields cracking by heating in cold mornings.
2. Reduce Vibrations
If cracks are already present in your Tesla windshield, make sure that there is no unnecessary vibration in it. Never slam the doors hard, avoid bumpy roads, and take care of the suspension. Slamming the doors not only creates problems for the closing mechanism and the rubbers inside, but it can also send vibrations to the whole body of your Tesla. Also, note that Teslas are notorious for some suspension issues. Since bad suspensions shake the car more, you need it to stay in the best possible state. Lastly, never hit any bad patch of a road.
3. Be Careful
Be very protective of your Tesla’s windshield. Never ignore any potentially harmful thing or possibility. Always change the wipers on time. Wipers are made of rubber that hardens under the sun, leaving marks and scratches on the windshield. Generally, if you park your car outdoors all the time, the wipers will not last for more than a year, much depends upon the quality, though. Similarly, you should avoid driving in areas where vandalism is common. Going unnecessarily to such places can risk damage to the whole body, not just the windscreen.
4. Repair
Fill the cracks with suitable, good-quality fillers as soon as they show up. It will keep the cracks from spreading. Remember that cracks more than 4 inches in length cannot be repaired. If your car’s windshield has cracks smaller than this, you need to fill them immediately before they reach this length. Filling the crack is, fortunately, not a complicated task. You can easily do it at home.
5. Windshield Protection Film
Windshield protection films are not a complete solution, but they can significantly reduce the impact of rocks and other flying objects on the glass, saving it from chips and cracks. Such films work in a similar way as a lamination on a smartphone screen does. It sticks to the windshield and bears the brunt of any incoming object, reducing the intensity of impact on the glass. Some windscreens available in the market can also protect the interior from harmful UV rays, making the cabin safe and comparatively cooler.
6. Appropriate Products
The right chemicals and washers can extend the life of your Tesla’s windshield. Conversely, choosing inappropriate products can risk scratches and strip the windshield of its protective coating. Many of us think that normal glass cleaner and any piece of cloth can do a great job removing dirt from the windshield. However, this is a wrong approach. This can lead to abrasions and scratches. To do the perfect and safest job, we recommend getting a windshield-specific cleaner and using a lint-free cloth.
Tesla Windshield Repair: Cost and Warranty
Tesla windshield repair can cost you up to $400, depending upon the size and number of cracks in it. As for the warranty, it is conditional. Tesla windshields do fall under the warranty; however, it is claimable only if you can prove that the damage has occurred due to the manufacturer’s fault. Generally, the warranty period is about 4 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that, windshield replacement remains the only option, which can cost you well over $1,000.
Insurance is a good option in this case. Tesla insurance does cover damages to the windshield. By keeping your vehicle insured, you can save money on spare parts, having a hefty price tag.
Concluding Remarks: How to Protect Tesla Windshield?
Protecting Tesla windshield is easy—all you need to do is to be proactive and protective. Use protective films, and appropriate products, repair the damage, be careful in handling, avoid temperature fluctuations, and stay away from rough roads. Be mindful of why your Tesla’s windshield might crack, and make smart moves to avoid such scenarios. Fortunately, repairing is not expensive and covered by Tesla warranty and insurance.
