Winter brings freezing weather, ice and snow that can wreak havoc on your car if you don't take steps to protect it. While you might be making a list that includes snow tires, don't neglect proper windshield care. Follow these tips to minimize your chances of having to add a windshield repair or replacement to your holiday shopping list.
Repair Minor Damage Before the Chill Sets In
If your windshield glass is looking less than pristine due to chips, it's best to have it repaired by an experienced auto glass replacement business before the temperatures drop. The extra cold weather and rapid temperature changes can cause the glass to shrink and expand, and that chip that's been fine for months could lead to a completely cracked windshield that will require a more costly replacement.
Remove Ice With Tools Made for the Job
If you don't have a plastic ice scraper, purchase one before the first frost. Improvising ice removal with spatulas, knives or other metal objects can lead to scratches or chips. Avoid pouring hot water on your windshield to melt ice and snow as well. The sudden drastic change in temperature can damage the glass. If you prefer a less labor-intensive way to get your windshield clear, turn your heat setting to the windshield defroster mode or try a de-icing spray specifically made for auto glass.
Replace Your Wiper Blades
Getting stuck in a blizzard with worn-out wiper blades isn't a position you want to be in. Old blades can damage your windshield when they wear down and expose pieces of plastic or metal to the glass. Many windshield wiper blades don't stand up very well to ice and snow. If you live in an area that gets weeks or months of snowy weather every year, consider purchasing blades specifically made to stand up to the winds of winter. They'll be more durable and more likely to last you the entire season.
Keep Your Windshield Clean
Dirt and salt can all lead to a grimy windshield in a hurry. When your wiper blades scrape over the debris, it can scratch the glass, making it more susceptible to further damage. Keep your washer fluid reservoir full with an anti-ice and anti-fog solution, and wash your windshield manually when you fill up your tank to keep it clear and clean.
If all else fails and you do get a chip or crack in your windshield, cover it with a piece of transparent tape as soon as possible and avoid running your defroster or scraping over the area until you can get it fixed to minimize the damage.
Glass is used in numerous applications in the contemporary world, and this blog seeks to take a closer look at all those big and small elements of the world of glass. Need to install a glass window? Want to repair a glass table top? Interested in learning how manufacturers temper glass so that it doesn't shatter? If you have questions like that, this blog is just for you.
Hello. My name is Svetlana, and I want to welcome you to my blog. I plan to put up a number of posts all devoted to repairing, replace, installing, and buying glass. Whether you're a consumer or a professional, I hope there's a little something here for you. Thanks.