Your polycarbonate windshield is plenty strong, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. For instance, scratches and clouding are common issues that uncoated polycarbonate windshields face. When you’re out riding through mud, dust, rocks, debris, dirt, branches, and whatever else you encounter on the trails—plus the clouding-causing UV rays from the sun—any ride could result in windshield damage.
Luckily, you don’t have to ride like your grandma is with you or avoid every puddle of mud to keep your windshield protected. With proper maintenance and the right coating, you can keep your windshield in tip-top shape, even after your roughest rides.
Yes, the proper windshield coating can be a huge benefit for the protection and longevity of your windshield. However, not just any coating will work. Polycarbonate windshields require specialized coatings that are designed specifically for use with polycarbonate materials. Using coatings that are designed for the specific properties of glass windshields will not adhere to polycarbonate and could damage your windshield.
Purpose-made coatings can dramatically improve the performance, durability, and resilience of polycarbonate windshields—which is why we created our own. SuperATV’s XR Optic Hard Coating is designed so your windshield comes through the toughest rides and harshest conditions unscathed. XR Optic Hard Coating can extend the life of your windshield, providing exceptional abrasion- and scratch-resistance and protection from chemicals, while also preventing clouding or discoloration caused by UV light. Many SuperATV polycarbonate windshields are shipped with the XR Optic Hard Coating already applied, so all you need to upgrade your windshield is order and install!
While a coated polycarbonate windshield is about as tough as they come, keeping it cleaned and well-maintained will help extend its lifespan for even longer. To this point, don’t go cleaning your windshield with glass cleaner, brushes, pressure washers, or anything else that could be abrasive. All you need is:
Always spray your windshield with your water and soap mix before wiping it down—and be gentle when you wipe! Whenever you get all the gunk off, spray or rinse the windshield with clean water and carefully clean with a dry cloth. If you’re expecting to get caked in mud on the trails, you can bring all these things with you so you can actually see through your windshield for the ride home.
Keeping your UTV stored out of the sun can prevent clouding and discoloration. Even with a coating, storing in a shed, garage, or under a tarp will go a long way toward keeping your windshield clear for a long time to come.
For more in-depth cleaning and maintenance tips, go check out our guide on polycarbonate windshield care. Your windshield will thank you.
If your stock windshield has seen a few too many rides or you’re just ready for an upgrade, a coated polycarbonate windshield from SuperATV is a great option. And with longer lifespan and unmatched scratch resistance and clarity, a properly cared-for coated polycarbonate windshield will keep more money in your pocket in the long run. Get in touch or drop a comment down below for answers about polycarbonate windshields, coating options, or any other windshield questions you have.
