Tips for Winter Windshield Care to Take Care of Your Car

Cold weather and frequent weather conditions can damage your car’s windshield. Low temperatures, together with the formation of ice and snow films, create pressure that can stress the glass surface and cause cracks and damage.

You won’t be able to guess how simple it is to avoid such problems!

If you understand how to protect your windshield during winter, you will be safe and will not have to spend money on costly repairs or windshield replacement while driving during this season. This guide can help you with just that, so let’s dive in!

Understanding the Impact of Winter on Your Windshield

Winter is one of the most challenging seasons for a car’s windshield because it must deal with freezing temperatures, ice, and rocks daily. When temperatures dramatically change, for instance, when using the car’s heater to thaw a frosted windshield, the glass experiences constant fluctuations in size and becomes prone to cracks or chipping.

The build-up of ice and snow also adds pressure onto the glass. It is also easy to aggravate even the smallest of chips, as moisture penetrates the surface during winter, and then, when it freezes, the damage expands. Identifying the above risks helps you guard your windshield through preventative measures that keep it safe and clear all season.

Key Tips for Winter Windshield Care

Severe winter weather conditions can be very unforgiving to your car’s windshield. However, the following methods can ensure that your windshield remains clear throughout the winter.

Here are some essential winters windshield care tips to help you maintain the safety and visibility of your windshield in winter:

1. Use the Right Windshield Washer Fluid

Water can freeze during winter and create streaks and even poorer visibility. Use windshield washer fluid created to work in low temperatures effectively. This helps provide windshield visibility and avoid frost adherence and damage.

2. Keep Your Windshield Clear of Snow and Ice

Whenever you are about to drive, make sure all the snow and ice are cleared off the windscreen. This ensures that nothing blocks your view, and when ice forms, it cannot accumulate on the screen to cause a blockage. Picture driving with a layer of snow – not only is it unsafe, but it is also against the law in many states.

3. Check Wiper Blades Regularly

Damaged wiper blades cause scratching and poor visibility when their rubber surface is depleted and frayed. It is better to replace them before winter to effectively scrape ice, snow, and road salt off the car. Do not wait for the wiper blades to completely deplete before considering replacement. 

4. Park in a Garage or Use a Windshield Cover

If possible, park your car in a garage or ensure you cover your windshield using a windshield cover. This is much preferable to the damaging cold temperatures because it requires far less ice scraping.

Preventing and Handling Windshield Cracks in Winter

Winter is also unforgiving to your car’s windshield because it expands and then shrinks when the weather increases, which causes cracking. Here are ways to prevent and manage cracks to take note of:

How to Prevent Windshield Cracks: Glass may crack due to fluctuations in temperature in winter, which dilate and constrict it. To avoid this, make sure to use cleaning agents that will not harm the glass or leave scratches on it. When a car is not in use, it’s advisable to cover the windshield to avoid frost and freezing, which puts a lot of pressure on the glass.

Dealing with Cracks: If your windshield has a crack, even if you think it can barely be seen, it should be repaired immediately. If not addressed, it may widen, mainly due to expansion caused by cold weather. A small chip can quickly become a large crack as the temperature changes. Contact a professional or have your windshield checked as soon as possible to prevent expensive replacements and keep your windshield safe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Winter Windshield Care

The following are some of the common mistakes you should avoid when using your windshield and the necessary precautions you ought to take to avoid common damages:

1. Using Hot Water to Defrost

Hot water is not the best option since a temperature change may cause your windshield to crack. Warm water or a professional defroster fluid should be used. Scalding water can damage onlookers and put stress on the glass if it is already covered in ice. So, it is advisable to defrost the ice cautiously with either a de-icing formula or warm water.

2. Neglecting the Side Windows

Side windows, like the windscreen, are also vulnerable to the harshest winter. You should wash them, mainly if you use them often, and check them for damage with time. Hazardous clouds of ice form on the windshield, thus hampering vision. Tilt the side windows frequently and use a de-icing spray to prevent window frosting.

3. Skipping Regular Maintenance

It’s much more expensive if you wait for a problem to appear. This means that through frequent checks and maintenance, when necessary, large problems are reduced. Check for chips and cracks in the windshield often and replace your wipers every few months to keep snow and road salt from ruining your windshield. 

Conclusion

Winter windshield care is mainly preventative. The right choice of products and timely interventions will help you avoid issues and maintain a clear windshield during the winter. When it comes to windshield repair or auto glass replacement, NuVision Auto Glass is the solution you need right now.

Get in touch with us for professional help, and get a quote now. Proper care for the windshield will ensure that you avoid the problems that are associated with the windshield at a later time.