How to Properly Clean Your Golf Cart Windshield

Author: Christian Attlesey

Read Time: 1-2 Minutes

 

 

 

 

 

Golf carts make everyone’s lives so much easier. Pro Golfers and Average Joes alike can use their carts to take unwanted stress off of their feet. However, owning a golf cart often requires significant upkeep.

From alignments to oil changes, replacing old leaf springs to updating your seat cushions, golf carts can require a good amount of work.

Golf cart owners must perform the necessary maintenance so that their beloved ride works well into the future. One surprising thing that may slip your mind is cleaning your golf cart's windshield.

This original guide on how to properly clean your golf cart windshield will ensure the job gets done right.

Golf Cart Windshield Materials Matter

You can’t just use any old cleaning product off the shelf on your cart’s windshield.

Most windshields are acrylic, which means they’re scratch-resistant. However, although they are scratch-resistant, acrylic windshields are also sensitive to certain chemicals, which is why you should be mindful of the cleaning products you use.

Using the incorrect chemical to clean your golf cart windshield can damage it and cause the windshield to become milky/cloudy.

Safe windshield cleaners include the following:

• ✓- Soap and water (the old-fashioned method)
• ✓- Cleaners made specifically for use on acrylic/plexiglass (like our own brand of windshield cleaner)
• ✓- Soft cotton or microfiber cloths

Here is a list of unsafe windshield cleaners:

• X- Ammonia-based cleaner (standard glass and window cleaners)
• X- Caustic or abrasive chemical cleaners
• X- WD-40 or any other petroleum-based cleaner
• X- Scrubbing pads or any other material that can be abrasive and scratch the windshield

What about paper towels? Although they are certainly better than a scrubbing pad or some other abrasive scrubber, paper towels aren't the best when it comes to cleaning your golf cart windshield.

Paper towels or old rags may leave streaks on the windshield that are tough to remove. Consider purchasing a microfiber towel to do the job so that your windshield remains streak-free.

Everyone wants a clear view while driving, so they can keep others safe and look at the beautiful landscape in front of them.

How To Remove Scratches From Your Windshield

Scraping Your Windshield

If your golf cart windshield has any machine markings or slightly deep scratches, you can use the scraping method to solve some of that issue.

Scraping requires a razor blade or other fine blade that can gently scrape off excess markings or acrylic. To scrape your windshield, keep your razor blade at a slight angle (10 degrees is recommended) and slowly move the blade from side to side.

Make sure you don't take too sharp of an angle or apply too much pressure causing the blade to dig into the windshield.

Sanding and Buffing Your Windshield

Although applying sandpaper to your windshield sounds like we are going against everything we just said above, hang with us for a minute so we can explain.

By sanding AND buffing your windshield, you can take your windshield back to its original luster. Keep in mind, these have to be done in tandem, not one or the other.

Sanding

Sanding your windshield is just like sanding your last wood project. You will start slowly and work your way across your windshield, starting with a more coarse sandpaper (think 220-320 grit) and then finishing it off with a more fine sandpaper (600 to 800 grit).

Sand down just enough to remove the top layer of the acrylic or deep enough to smooth out the scratches but no more. Keep in mind this will create some dust so it is best to wear a mask during this process.

Buffing

Buffing your windshield will require a buffing cloth (hand, disc, or belt) and buffing compound. Simply apply the buffing compound to the windshield and use your buffer to smooth everything over.

Keep in mind that different buffing compounds will produce different effects on your golf cart windshield. Check the labels before applying to ensure compatibility and follow all stated instructions.

Keep Your Windshield Out Of The Elements (When Not In Use)

Mother Nature can do some real damage to your golf cart if you aren’t careful.

Although some golf cart windshields are UV resistant, prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun may cause your windshield to crack and wear faster than usual.

Hail can also create problems if you leave the vehicle out in a storm. Thus, it’s best to buy a golf cart cover to keep it protected from bad weather whenever it strikes or move your cart indoors. In addition, if you store your golf cart for long periods of time, a solid storage cover can help keep your windshield and your paint job in tip-top shape!

This guide on how to properly clean your golf cart windshield shows you what mistakes to avoid next time you take on the endeavor. Ignoring this advice could put you in jeopardy of a replacement. Luckily, Golf Cart Stuff has a vast selection of golf cart windshields if you need a new part altogether.

 

...You probably know him as the humorous & relatable host of our YouTube channel!

Prior to taking on marketing, however, Christian honed his industry knowledge as our Customer Service Manager. Fast-forward to present day: it’s his mission to deliver the best and most current products, resources, and overall expertise to Golf Cart owners everywhere.