Your car’s windshield is a crucial safety feature, and we’ll keep stressing that fact no matter how many times we have to repeat it. Also, know that each season comes with its pros and cons, especially winters. In winter, you have to be extra careful about your windshields. However, most car owners frequently overlook their car’s windshield during winter, which is not wise.
Know that driving in cold weather can place a significant amount of strain on your windshield. As a result, it is vital to be extra vigilant about the windshield to preserve it in order to keep your visibility, as well as the structural integrity of your vehicle.
Effects on the Car Windshield in Winter
Here is how winter affects the car windshield:
1. Cracks
Temperature fluctuations can have a tremendous impact on the windshield of your vehicle, potentially causing it to shatter. You’ll be surprised to know that Cracks can be caused by a variety of factors, including the weather. Windshield glasses are temperature sensitive. They shrink and expand when subjected to quick fluctuations in temperature.
Consequently, being exposed to temperatures that are too high can be harmful to your windshield and cause it to break. Cold weather can be quite detrimental to your car’s windshield. Therefore, it is crucial to park your car in a shaded area or covered parking at night.
2. Never Clear Icy Windshields
Some regions experience snowfall during winter. People who live in such places have to remove ice from their vehicle’s windshield every morning before they can drive. It is because ice accumulates on the surface of the windshield when parked outside.
Of course, you cannot ignore the accumulation of ice at all. But what you can do is use the right tool to clear the ice from the windshield. More often than not, people try to remove it with a knife, which is not wise. Use ice scrapers to do the job if you want to keep the glass from getting cracked, chipped, or scratched.
3. More Use of Washer Fluid
You will find that you need to use your windshield washer fluids more frequently when the weather is bitterly cold. Using plain water
Using water alone as windshield washer fluid will result in a layer of ice on your glass. This, in turn, will hamper your visibility. Also, you can run the risk of the wiper blades on your automobile wearing out quickly from the friction caused by the ice.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using water in the cold as windshield wiper fluid. Rather, you should invest in a washer fluid specifically designed to keep your windshield in good condition regardless of the weather. The best is to use antifreeze or ethanol-based fluids to prevent freezing.
Also, keep your wipers in good working order and replace them when they show signs of age or wear.
Related Read: How does windshield washer fluid affect your car?
4. Parking
You may be surprised to know that even your parking area can have a significant impact on your vehicle during winter. Know that during the winter, things that fall from the sky and trash from the road might harm your windshield.
As a result, you should always park your vehicle inside the garage. Not only will it save from external elements, but also it will prevent the vehicle from freezing over. Buying a cover for your car is a smart move to protect it from harsh cold weather.
5. Be Aware of Chips and Cracks
As said earlier, weather can cause damage to your car’s windshield. And if your windshield already has cracks, it may become worse as a result of cold weather.
The ice that gets into the cracks will dramatically expand when it freezes, which will cause the glass to break even further. So, if you notice any crack or chip on your windshield, get it fixed at the earliest. It’s wise to choose professional windshield repair services.
If you don’t address the issue in a timely manner, you may end up replacing the entire windshield at some point in the future.
Conclusion
So, these are the ways cold weather can impact your car’s windshields. However, most of us don’t take these very seriously, which is not wise. You should always keep your car’s windshield in pristine condition. The best is to get your vehicle’s windshield checked by professionals before winters start. Doing so will ensure everyone’s safety, both inside the vehicle and outside on the streets.
When it comes to the best windshield repair services, Windshield Store tops the list. Windshield Store has seasoned technicians on staff who can provide you with the best windshield repair or replacement services. We install high-quality OEM windshields using cutting-edge technology.
Get in touch with us immediately for high-quality mobile windshield repair/replacement services!