Motorcycle windshields protect drivers from flying rocks, insects and road debris as they travel. These windshields are a lightweight, yet durable plastic normally composed of either polycarbonate or acrylic. They withstand the impact of small debris without shattering, but can eventually become scratched. Severely scratched windshields hinder your vision and detract from your motorcycle's appearance. However, replacing a windshield can be costly. Fortunately, there are inexpensive products on the market made to restore your motorcycle's windshield.
Items you will need
Water
Soap
Terry cloth towels
Plastic polish
Microfiber cloth
Plastic cleaner
Clean your windshield. Use a thick terry cloth towel with plenty of soap and warm water. Use a mild dish soap that has no abrasives in it. Soap down your windshield to dissolve any dirt or dust. Surface dirt creates more scratches in the windshield. Dry the windshield with another soft terry cloth towel. Never use a paper towel, since they have a rough surface that might scratch your windshield.
Apply the plastic polish. Plastic polish is a mild abrasive, safe for use on your motorcycle's windshield. Use a microfiber cloth to apply it to the windshield. Work in circular motions over the entire surface. Once you are done, wipe off the polish from the windshield.
Spray on a plastic cleaner. Choose a cleaner safe for plastics to follow up after polishing. The common furniture polish Pledge is an example of a cleaner you can use on your windshield. The cleaner takes off any trace amounts of polish remaining and helps protect the surface from debris.
Tips
- If your windshield is caked with insects, soak a terry cloth towel in water and drape it over the windshield. Let the towel sit for a few minutes to soften the insects. Then, use the towel to wipe them away. This keeps you from smearing the bugs or creating more scratches. Once you have gotten rid of the bugs, proceed with the cleaning steps.
- You may want to choose a polish that has wax in it. Wax protects the surface so that less debris gets stuck to it. If you use this type of polish, it is not necessary to follow up with the cleaner.
References
Tips
- If your windshield is caked with insects, soak a terry cloth towel in water and drape it over the windshield. Let the towel sit for a few minutes to soften the insects. Then, use the towel to wipe them away. This keeps you from smearing the bugs or creating more scratches. Once you have gotten rid of the bugs, proceed with the cleaning steps.
- You may want to choose a polish that has wax in it. Wax protects the surface so that less debris gets stuck to it. If you use this type of polish, it is not necessary to follow up with the cleaner.
Writer Bio
Heather Mckinney has been writing for over 23 years. She has a published piece in the University Archives detailing the history of an independently owned student newspaper. Mckinney holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from University of Texas at San Antonio.
