Fortunately, with routine UTV windshield maintenance and the right products and techniques, you can remain safe on your all-terrain excursions. Paying special attention to your UTV’s windshield will protect it from scratches and other damage.
Just think about it—your utility vehicle was designed for rugged conditions and the great outdoors. But no matter how much fun you’re having, doing donuts in the mud or flying through those mucky paths now, a dirty windshield can prevent you from seeing clearly, making your next venture into the wilderness a dangerous one. And let’s not get started on minor scratches that can grow to epic sizes quickly.
Choose UTV Windshield Safe Products
Before you start cleaning, get a product safe to use on your UTV’s windshield, whether it’s partial or full. While you can purchase specific cleaners on the market, these are often a bit pricey and unnecessary. You also don’t want to put off washing your windshield until you have the right products when you probably have ones at home that’ll work just fine.
Use Safe Cleaners
You don’t need harsh chemicals. Instead, you can use baby shampoo, which — if you think about it — is safe enough for a baby’s skin, so it’s logically safe to use on your precious mud runner.
Dish soap is another substance that’ll remove tough dirt but won’t harm your UTV windshield in any way. These cleaners are particularly beneficial if you have a polycarbonate windshield or an acrylic windshield.
Moreover, whichever solution you choose, mix it with warm water in a spray bottle so it’s easy to use.
You’ll also want a window cleaner. And no matter whether you’re buying one or using one you have on hand, select a non-ammonia-based one. Ones with ammonia are known to be abrasive and can cause damage to the windshield, no matter what material it consists of.
Choose the Right Cleaning Tools
As you choose cleaning clothes, select ones not known to scratch, such as a microfiber cloth. You’ll also want to use paper towels, though using the cheapest ones might not be the best idea because they are known to be rougher.
In addition, you should have a soft-bristled brush and a sponge handy, particularly if you have a considerable amount of mud buildup.
Steps to Take for Cleaning
Cleaning polycarbonate, acrylic, or glass windshields are all similar.
Choose Your Day Wisely
Opt for a day when the sun is shining so you can leave the UTV outside in direct sunlight for drying purposes. This also helps to prevent spotting and streaking.
Start With Getting Loose Dirt Off
Now that you have your cleaning supplies gathered, it’s time to start. First and foremost, get any loose dirt off using a dry paper towel.
Get Mud Off Secondly
Next, you’ll want to work on any sections with caked-on mud. You still don’t need harsh chemicals, but this portion of the cleaning process will take some extra time. For this, spray the windshield with your cleaning solution. You can also just use water. The point is to moisten the mud completely so you can wipe it away.
Polishing the Windshield to Make it Shine
Once you have all the mud and dirt particles gone, it’s time to get down to business and make the windshield shine.
For this aspect, use a soapy rag and gently wipe the windshield to remove any remaining dust or debris. Continue doing this and rinse it in clean water. You may need to work at stubborn stains a little longer to remove all the dirt that builds up on a vehicle designed for extreme conditions.
Then, using only water, rinse the dish soap or other cleaner off the windshield completely so you don’t have any film remaining. If you have a hose, you may use it.
Before proceeding, let the windshield dry completely.
Spritz that ammonia-free window cleaner on it and wipe in a circular motion to clean it properly, minimizing streaking. Take it one section at a time until you complete the entire surface.
Let it dry completely, and check for any streaks. You can now zero in on these areas and only spray and wipe them. Once totally done, let the V rays do their job and dry it thoroughly.
Special Tips for Winter
Winter brings unique challenges when cleaning your windshield. Snow and ice may accumulate and hinder your view.
When you’re cleaning off wintertime precipitation, avoid using metal; opt for plastic instead.
Pro tip: the ice scraper with a snow brush you have for your other vehicles works to remove snow and ice well, and it’s safe to use on your UTV’s windshield, no matter the material.
The brush is perfect for removing fluffier snow, while the soft plastic of the tool can be used for caked-on snow or ice buildup.
Special Tips for Summer
Whether it’s for summer (or any other sunny, hot weather if you’re in a state with a warm climate), you’ll want to have a UV-protective coating or film placed on the windshield. These will protect polycarbonate or acrylic from cracking from the heat or yellowing from the UV rays.
Using Film for Protection
Once you’ve achieved a streak-free finish, consider applying a film for an extra layer of protection. The film repels water and acts as a scratch-resistant cover. It helps to shield your windshield for the trail ahead, even if you hit a rock that flies up unexpectedly or travel through a branch-lined path that can easily scratch your windshield.
With different options available, the one you choose should depend on your desires, such as if you want it to protect against water, scratches, or sun. Some are anti-fog, which is perfect if you plan to take your UTV out in chilly weather.
Though you hope a major accident never happens, the higher quality films are a defense against your windshield cracking or shattering upon impact.
You have two options for film installation: doing it yourself or having a professional install it. If you choose to make it a DIY project, you can purchase a pre-cut film. However, if you go the alternative route and select one you’ll need to cut, you’ll first need to position the film on the windshield and cut it, leaving excess on every side. So you know, don’t remove the backing yet.
Before situating the film, you’ll want to spray the windshield with water and a mild soap, the one you used before. This will help you position the film and remove air bubbles.
You can now remove the backing from the film and start to position it. Begin in the center and work your way outward. Once you situate it in the correct position, use a squeegee to remove air pockets and achieve a smooth finish.
After you place the film in the desired spot and without any bubbles, trim any excess off the sides with a razor blade to give it that professional-looking finish.
At this point, allow the UTV to air dry completely. Leave it in direct sunlight if you can. This allows the film to cure. Ideally, you want to avoid touching it for 24 to 48 hours for the best results.
What to Do When There’s a Scratch
Let’s say you plan on placing a film and only use a non-abrasive, clean cloth with a safe household cleaner or a specialized one to avoid scratching. But you still ended up with a scratch.
Perhaps it was from whenever you were on rough terrain and a rock flew up or a branch scratched it. No matter the case, it’s possible to remove scratches from the windshield, at least in some cases.
For this, you can purchase a kit to address the scratch. It’ll contain sandpaper, polish, and other materials you’ll need. Make sure it’s specific to your UTV windshield material.
If it’s a deeper scratch, use fine-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the spot. You may need to work at it for a bit.
Before starting, wet the sandpaper, and keep it that way while you’re sanding so you avoid further scratching the windshield. Once done, you’ll need to wipe away all the debris and let it dry.
You may need to repeat this step a few times until you have the scratch fully sanded out.
On the other hand, for a more superficial scratch, using a polish and repeatedly going over the area lightly may be enough to take it out. Remove any excess polish after you finish.
Other Tips for Keeping Your UTV Windshield Clean
Keep in mind that when you carry out UTV windshield maintenance and cleaning efficiently, this component on the vehicle will last, and you’ll feel safe driving behind it. It may even last the life of your UTV with proper care. Plus, the time and money you spend now will save you from spending more in the future.
So, give your windshield a regular cleaning, even when you’re not taking it out every week.
Be sure to examine the windshield for cracks, knicks, or other damage periodically. The frequency of use doesn’t matter for this one either, because heat causes expansion while cold causes contraction.
If you notice any damage, promptly start the repair process so it doesn’t have time to worsen, especially since temperature changes are known for aggravating weaknesses in the windshield.
Though you want to let your windshield air dry and remain in the sun after a wash, you should protect it using a weatherproof cover if you store it outside. You’re not only protecting the windshield, but you’re shielding the rest of the UTV. Ideally, though, storing your UTV in a shed or basement is a safer choice. That way, the vehicle is completely out of harm’s way.
Your UTV’s windshield keeps you separate from nature while giving you a view of the road (or trail) ahead. Unfortunately, dirt and routine wear and tear are inevitable, but with routine UTV windshield maintenance and cleaning, you can keep your windshield as clean as possible and ensure it lasts as long as it can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you read the entire piece, skimmed for key points, or just want answers to commonly asked questions quickly, we’ve compiled a list to assist:
1. How Do You Keep Your UTV Windshield From Fogging Up?
Optimize ventilation and increase air circulation in the UTV during conditions that increase fog. Moreover, combat the temperature outside by regulating it properly on the inside.
2. How Do You Remove Haze From a UTV Windshield?
To remove haze, gently wipe it with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Then, adjust the temperature in the cabin to compensate.
3. Can I Use Windex to Clean Plexiglass?
No, you shouldn’t use Windex or any other ammonia-based cleaner on any windshield material, including plexiglass.
4. What Do You Wash a UTV With?
While you can purchase specific products made for a UTV, baby soap or dish detergent is strong enough to remove stubborn spots but will not harm the windshield or other vehicle components.