How Winter Can Affect Your Car’s Windshield

Drivers have a responsibility to take care of their vehicles year-round. During the winter months when the climate is at its most extreme, these responsibilities are their most important and their most difficult. Cold weather can lead to a cracked windshield, and expecting this possibility can help you prepare you for some of the hardest parts of maintenance.

Crack

Glass is sensitive to extreme changes in temperature. As the weather rapidly gets colder, glass can expand and contract. Those changes in temperatures can lead to your windshield cracking in cold weather. Pouring hot water on a cold windshield, for instance, may cause it to crack and damage it severely. If you notice a white haze along the sides of the windshield, that is a sign it needs replacing.

Clearing Icy Windshields Can Cause Damage

At some point this winter, you will need to remove ice from your windshield. But if you want to complete this task without damaging the surface, you must use the appropriate tools like ice scrapers. Do not use knives or shovels, as these can create scratches, chips, and cracks. Avoid any stabbing motion. You should instead scrape horizontally against the glass.

Heavy Use of Washer Fluid

Another way winter can affect your car’s windshield is that the cold weather can spread precipitation and ice along the car part. To combat this issue, you may use your washer fluid. During the winter months, responsible car owners know they must refill their washer fluid so that they do not need to suffer through poor visibility.

You Must Be Careful Where You Park

During the winter, one of the biggest hazards car owners need to be concerned about is falling objects and road debris. All of this can do terrible damage to your windshield. Intelligent car owners keep their vehicles in garages whenever they can. Covers also protect glass from incurring too much damage.

Drive safe this winter, and make sure to check out River North Collision Repair if you need a windshield replacement in Chicago.