Tips for Protecting Car Windshields in Winter
Colder temperatures can weaken a vehicle’s glass, and when the glass is already chipped, the situation may worsen to the point of being irreparable.
Winter is coming, and it is time to ready the car for the colder weather.
A sturdy, reliable car windshield makes hurling into the colder season easier. During winter, it’s pretty standard for motorists to wake up in the morning to find the windshield and front and side windows covered by a thick layer of snow. To top it off, this situation happens mostly when the driver has somewhere to be. Of course, most drivers have an ice scraper handy to deal with the snow, but how else can a driver care for their windshield and protect the glass in frigid temperatures?
When it’s sub-zero outside, the last place anyone wants to end up is the side of a road with a broken windshield. So, check all the glass on the vehicle for chips or cracks and have them repaired before the first snowfall. Here are a few tips that can help the owner care for their car windshield this winter:
Visit an auto glass shop for a quick windshield inspection
An inspection by a certified glass repair technician can significantly affect how well a windshield behaves in harsh winter weather. Experts will check for cracks, pits, poor windshield installation, and other issues that can compromise the driver’s safety over the next few months. Then, the expert will advise the customer if they can repair the glass or if they have to replace it.
Avoid sudden temperature changes
Auto glass can bear significant impact from flying debris or ice, but it may not be able to hold against sudden temperature changes. Exposing the glass to this sudden change can cause it to contract or expand and, in some instances, even shatter. So, when a windshield is iced over, use regular water to melt it instead of boiled water off the stove. Hot water will hasten the melting process but may also shock the windshield, causing damage.
Windshield chips are 60% more likely to spread at 32 degrees and 80% more likely at 14 degrees, meaning that it is easier and cheaper to repair the chips and cracks before they spread across the edges. Or else, a vehicle owner may end up paying for a glass replacement.
Don’t hesitate to replace damaged glass
Colder temperatures can weaken a vehicle’s glass, and when the glass is already chipped, the situation may worsen to the point of being irreparable. So, before the extreme cold arrives, replace the windshield. If there are budgetary concerns, check with the insurance carrier to determine if they cover with your insurance provider to find out if they cover the replacement at no or little cost.
Keep it clean and remove old wipers
The wipers will work twice as hard to clean a dirty windshield in winter. So, it’s recommended to keep the glass clean and make the windshield wiper’s job easier. To verify if the wipers are still good, see if they fail to clean specific areas of the glass or leave a greasy film behind; if they start making a noise; or if visibility gets hindered when it’s snowing or raining. In frigid temperatures, ensure the wipers are not frozen before starting the engine.
When in doubt, it’s better to take the vehicle in to have an expert determine if it’s the wipers or the glass.
Use high-quality de-icers and ice scrapers
Although tap water through a hose effectively melts the ice on a vehicle, the best bet is to buy a high-quality ice scraper. De-icers will also prove handy in removing the ice fast.
Some other winter car-care tips
Consider installing winter tires to ensure absolute traction and control. Check the battery to ensure it can survive the winter, and inspect the antifreeze. Cold weather can flatten the tires, making driving a tricky affair. So, make it a point to check the tire pressure regularly.
Plan for the unpredictable and contact a local auto repair shop for help making the car winter-ready.
Lucid Auto Glass provides mobile windshield repair and replacement in Tacoma, Olympia, Renton, Lakewood, and surrounding areas. Our auto glass services include windshield replacement, rock chip repair, crack repair, and leak repair as well as door window regulator and door window motor repair and replacement. Family owned and operated. Military discounts available.
