A clean UTV windshield is essential for your safety and enjoyment. If you have invested in a custom-fitted, high-quality polycarbonate windshield for your side by side, it’s imperative that you understand how to care for it properly. While your windshield may encounter tree branches, mud, rocks, dust, rain, snow, ice etc., it’s you who can cause the most damage without proper care.
No matter what brand of polycarbonate your windshield is, Lexan, Tuffak, Makrolon; a polycarbonate windshield requires special care. Some customers assume that they can clean polycarbonate surfaces the same way they would clean an automotive glass windshield, DO NOT CLEAN YOUR POLYCARB WINDSHIELD LIKE YOU WOULD GLASS, polycarbonate material is very different. Follow these simple cleaning instructions and your polycarbonate windshield will last you a long time.
Windshield Cleaning Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse windshield to wet the surface and to float off dirt and mud
- Using a damp soft or microfiber cloth, clean the windshield side to side with warm water and a gentle soap or detergent
- Baby shampoo, liquid dish soap or hand washing soap are recommended
- Thoroughly rinse with clean water
- To prevent water spots, use a chamois or moist cellulose sponge and blot windshield dry
DON’TS
NEVER use a dry cloth, or your hands, to wipe off windshield; scratching will occur.
NEVER use abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, alkaline cleaners, abrasive pads, or gritty cloths on your windshield.
NEVER scrape your windshield with squeegees, razor blades or other sharp instruments.
NEVER scrub hard or use brushes on your windshield.
NEVER scrub in a circular motion, use a side to side motion softly.
NEVER use window cleaning fluids (Windex, 409, etc.) or any solvents (gasoline, denatured alcohol, acetone, etc.) on your windshield.
NEVER clean your windshield in the hot sun or at elevated temperatures.
There are cleaners that can be purchased made specifically for polycarbonate UTV windshields, however, we recommend thoroughly researching those before use.
Your polycarbonate UTV windshield is stronger and lighter than glass, however it will scratch a lot easier. Proper care is critical to prevent this from happening. If you think that scratching will be inevitable in your environment, we recommend a hard coat upgrade. Hard coats, such as MR10 and AR2, help to resist scratching and will increase the longevity of your UTV windshield.
If you have yet to purchase a UTV windshield, we carry a large selection for a variety of machines. Browse at www.sidebysidestuff.com today.
So use cautious when cleaning..is there some sort of protectant/sealant I can use to put on top of my polycarbonate windshield?? I’m looking but can’t seem to find anything other than cleaning stuff..I need a product that maybe can spray or wipe on??
So, now that the Ranger windshield is scratched, is there anything we can do about repairing it? (Lesson learned too late. Never use windshield cleaner!!!)
[…] Might need to check out this tutorial on cleaning a polycarbonate windshield. […]
After cleaning thoroughly and properly, I’ve always applies a thin layer of Lemon Pledge, which prevents the adhesion of future contaminates, especially bugs on motorcycle windshieds.
Thanks for the tip James!
Further research suggests it is not a good idea to use Rainx on cycle windhsields. I know they also make a Rainx for plastic…any comments?
It’s never recommended to use cleaning products like Windex or Rain-X, these types of cleaners contain a high amount of alcohol and/or ammonia that can be harmful to polycarbonate. The safest practice use is warm water with mild, nonabrasive dish soap and dry with a soft cotton or microfiber towel.