Your side-by-side works hard.
Whether you are using it for ranch chores, camping, or general outdoor shenanigans, it gets you where you are going fast. The wilderness flies by and hours are saved as you push the limits of your machine.
You’ve certainly thought a lot about your UTV tires, engine, and suspension. You’ve probably duct-taped some seats in your time and found ways to work around stuck door latches. But how much thought have you given to the windshield?
The windshield is something you don’t want to think about. It’s supposed to disappear. Keep the water off my face and deflect the worst of the wind and don’t make me think about it.
But UTV windshields are vulnerable to many problems that, while their occurrence may feel like bad luck, are in reality avoidable with some easy preventive maintenance. Whether half windshields, full windshields, or the rear or side windshields, all are vulnerable to flying debris, low branches–any of hundreds of mishaps.
Follow these SxS windshield care tips to make sure your windshield just fades into the scenery.
Prevent And Repair Damage To UTV Windshields
If you want your UTV windshield to stay in great shape for years to come, start with a quality windshield in a great material. Then add protection, like inexpensive tear-off protection film.
The Right Windshield: Choose Your Manufacturer and Materials
When you purchase your UTV you may not have much choice as to what type of windshield it will have. As long as your original windshield is continuing to function well you may not want to replace it, but there are ways to extend its life.
If, however, you have found this article because you have realized that your current windshield is losing functionality, it may be time to consider what type of windshield to install next. Materials matter, so being informed about their longevity and durability is a great place to start.
A Glass Windshield: Classic and Timeless Until It Breaks
Glass windshields have been in use since Henry Ford produced the Model T.
While they have become more durable and less likely to turn into a maelstrom of knives when compromised, glass will always be vulnerable to impacts, and even a tiny chip can easily become a large crack if you hit a bump.
If your UTV has a glass windshield, consider forms of protection such as a tear-off film to keep pebbles and other small projectiles from chipping it in the first place. And when the time does come to replace your glass windshield, consider four-layer poly for vastly improved shatter resistance and crack resistance, as well as crystal clear visibility.
An Acrylic Windshield: Crystal Clear Until It Isn’t
Acrylic windshields are great when they come off the lot. They are beautifully clear, they have good flexibility to be able to be easily formed to the unique shape required by your UTV’s design, and they tend to be substantially cheaper than glass.
But once you have had your acrylic windshield for a while you will begin to be disillusioned. That clarity that you admired at first quickly changes to whitish cloudiness because of UV damage. Acrylic is pretty susceptible to losing clarity when it has been in the sun for a while, and even if you store your UTV indoors your times out riding in the sun will eventually take a toll.
High-Quality UTV Windshields From Guarding Racing Products
If it’s time to replace your SxS windshield, consider one from Guardian Racing Products. These USA windshields are designed for easy installation and crafted from either classic glass or high-quality four-layer polycarbonate for superior impact resistance and invulnerability to UV radiation.
As an extra security measure, add a tear-off protection film. This durable but inexpensive film will take the hits, and when you pull it off you will find your windshield unscathed.
While you shop, consider getting a new rear windshield and side windshield. You ask a lot of your equipment, so don’t let flying debris ruin an enjoyable ride. Replace your UTV windshields with USA windshields and take advantage of the benefits of great design and excellent materials.