Humidity and cold temperatures can take a toll on your car. Here are a few tips to keep in mind throughout the winter to prevent damages to your windshield
How To Take Proper Care Of Your Windshield This Winter
Always be careful when removing ice from your windshield. Use a scraper designed to chip the ice. Using another object not designed to scrape ice could cause damages to the windshield. If your scraper is broken, replace it. Always stand on the side of your vehicle when scraping ice.
Pouring hot water on your windshield to melt ice is not recommended
Clear your entire windshield before driving. You might be tempted to clear a small spot on the driver’s side to save time, but this isn’t a safe practice.
Inspect your wipers before the cold weather gets here. It might be time to replace them with a new pair. This is something you should do ahead of time since driving to the auto parts store with broken windshield isn’t something you should do once the snow starts to fall.
Inspect your windshield
If there are chips and cracks in your windshield, get them fixed before the winter. Moisture could get into these cracks and cause them to expand once it freezes. Get small chips and cracks fixed as quickly as possible with a professional auto glass repair company. You can usually get this done for free.
Keep in mind that snow will probably accumulate on your windshield this winter. The weight could worsen any existing damage if you don’t get your windshield fixed.
Ask a technician before replacing your windshield
If your car needs a new windshield, it might be best to do it before the winter. Whether you replace the windshield yourself or take your vehicle to a shop, urethanes will be needed to bond the new windshield to your vehicle. These substances can only be used at certain temperatures. Talk with a technician to find out if it would be safe to replace a windshield outdoors or indoors during the winter.
Look for An Auto Glass Safety Council Company in your area
You can go to any auto repair shop and get your windshield fixed or replaced. However, not all businesses will use the same standards. It is best to look for an AGSC company that follows the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards.
Additional auto care tips for the winter
There are a few other things you might want to look into to stay safe this winter. You should think about getting winter tires to improve traction and control when you drive. If you have an old battery, it might be time to replace it. Don’t forget to check your antifreeze level and to top it off as needed.
Cold weather can cause your tire pressure to drop. Check it regularly throughout the winter. If you don’t already have a survival kit in your vehicle, it is time to put one together. You should have a few essentials in your car at all times, including a blanket, some non-perishable food, a flashlight, and some hazard lights.
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Mark Murphy says
September 5, 2018 at 1:46 amI never knew that the weight of snow can actually damage your windshield! My wife and I have been thinking of moving into a neighborhood that has a lot of snowfall. I will be sure to tell my wife that we should try and avoid letting snow rest on our windshields!