Electric vehicles (EVs) are likely to shape the future of transportation with their quiet drive and clean energy. Yet, with this innovation comes new and unique maintenance considerations. In this blog, we’ll discuss EV glass care and discover how to keep it protected.
Understanding EV Glass
EV glass might look identical to traditional car window glass. However, there are important distinctions.
EV glass is often designed with aerodynamics in mind to maximize the vehicle's range, meaning even minor chips or cracks can disrupt the car’s efficiency.
With recent advancements, we’ve seen glass technologies like solar control films that help cool down vehicles. This reduces the need for air conditioning and, in turn, conserves battery power. This technology can potentially cut energy use for climate control by up to 20%.
Another type of glass that’s commonly built into EVs is laminated glass with PVB interlayers. It is stronger than typical car glasses because of its shatter resistance. Additionally, its acoustic interlayers boost sound insulation – this makes your ride silent. It also has enhanced UV protection that shields passengers and interiors from harmful rays.
These advanced features emphasize the need for proper maintenance of EV glass. Knowing how to take proper care of it can prevent costly repairs and ensures your vehicle operates at peak performance.
Protective Measures for EV Glass
There are several strategies you can employ to protect your EV’s glass. These measures are focused on safety, comfort, and energy efficiency. They also can minimize the need for car glass repairs. Consider doing these:
- Use Laminated Glass for Enhanced Safety
As discussed above, PVB interlayers are shatter-resistant. This means that it can withstand damage better than typical glass.
- Add UV-Blocking Films for Extra Protection
Glass expands when heated and contracts when cooled. This repeated process can cause cracking of your EV’s glass. Applying UV-blocking films to your windows not only protects your car’s interior but also adds a layer of protection to the actual glass. This is especially beneficial for sunny weather.
- Adopt Smart Driving Habits
Always park in a covered area or anywhere that has shade to minimize direct exposure to sunlight. Also, keep your distance from other cars when driving to significantly reduce your chances of collision. Lastly, regularly clean your glass to keep it clean and clear, as dirt can degrade the quality of your EV’s glass.
Pro-tip: When choosing a new vehicle or replacing your windshield, go for solar-coated ones to block harmful UV rays and reduce heat buildup. This feature helps conserve battery power and maintain a cooler interior, contributing to overall energy efficiency.
Glass Protection During Winter
Aside from heat damage during sunny months, the snow and ice buildup during colder months can also harm your EV’s glass. With this, you should invest in winter-specific wiper blades to clear up your vision when driving.
When cleaning, do not use ice scrapers. Instead, use a soft brush or de-icer spray to prevent scratching and avoid having a cracked car windshield glass during the coldest time of the year.
Some EVs have a preconditioning feature. Use it to warm the vehicle and melt ice. You can also use a winter car cover to shield your EV’s glass from the harsh, cold weather.
Maintenance Tips
Keeping your EV’s glass in top condition can save you a lot of money on repairs/replacement. To effectively maintain your EV’s glass and windshields, consider these:
Inspect and Repair Glass Promptly
Make it a priority to check your glass for chips and cracks so you can address them immediately. Minor damage near embedded sensors may require professional assessment and repair to ensure safety and functionality.
If you can, always keep a car glass scratch remover kit handy so you can promptly fix small scratches. Your kit must include a glass polishing compound, microfiber cloths, and glass cleaner.
Get Help from Car Glass Repair Experts
If your glass needs repair or full replacement, make sure the work is handled only by auto glass experts who are familiar with EV technology and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). EVs have parts that are completely different from traditional car parts. Proper recalibration is crucial to maintaining vehicle safety and performance.
Fill Your Windshield Washer Fluid
Regularly check and top up your windshield washer fluid. Using the right screenwash helps keep your glass free from scratches by thoroughly removing dirt and debris without causing harm. Remember, water alone doesn’t eliminate fine dust particles. Truth is, it can scratch the windshield as dirt can be rubbed across it by the wipers.
Pro-tip: If you’ve just had a car glass window replacement, wait at least 48 hours before washing your vehicle to allow the adhesive to cure correctly. Use gentle methods, so you won’t compromise the seal.
How to Properly Clean Your Electric Car’s Glass
To save time, consider cleaning your EV's glass while it’s charging. Just make sure you’re in a shaded area for your and your vehicle’s comfort. Follow these steps for proper cleaning:
- Use isopropyl alcohol or an ammonia-free window cleaner to disinfect your EV’s glass.
- Wipe the surfaces with a microfiber cloth to avoid tiny scratches.
- The part where the windshield meets the dashboard is a challenging spot to reach but make sure you clean it as dirt can also accumulate in between. Soak your microfiber cloth with disinfectant and reach it using a tool. Caution: Do not use sticks with sharp ends.
- Repeat this process every week or two. Regular cleaning helps remove any grime or smears that could obstruct your vision.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean your electric car’s glass windows is essential in keeping it in its prime condition.
Proper glass care is an integral part of responsible ownership of an electric vehicle. Don’t hesitate to come back to this guide if you need tips in safeguarding your EV’s glass components from potential damage.
