How Does Weather Affect Your Windshield?
Your windshield protects you from getting hit by dirt and debris while traveling, but it also protects you from harsh weather conditions. With extremes in hot and cold, your windshield can really take a beating. Differences in temperature causes stress, stress causes cracks, and cracks cause obstructed vision and more intense damage. Whether you’re dealing with hot or cold weather, there are a few things you should know to keep your windshield in good condition.
In the Heat
Hot glass that cools too quickly begins to expand and contract. This process puts undue stress on your windshield. The glass itself then becomes fragile and more likely to break or crack. What’s more is when the temperature begins to heat up, people tend to get moving, whether headed out on vacation or just heading to the pool. In any case, using the car more means you have a higher chance of having something hit and break the windshield.
What can you do? Experts recommend turning your air conditioner to the lowest setting when you get into the car, rather than blasting it on the highest setting. Turning the vents away from the glass allow it to eventually cool instead of immediately cool. This slow cooling process is better for your fragile windshield.
In the Cold
Just like a hot windshield, cold glass that heats too quickly will also expand and contract, leading to stress and cracks. The same steps can be taken to protect your windshield during cold months, only using the heater. Start it at the lowest setting and turn the vents away from the glass, allowing the windshield to slowly heat up.
Another aspect of cold weather is ice, hail and snow. Depending on the size of the hail, it can crack windshields as it falls. Snow and ice buildup put pressure on the glass as well, causing it stress and leading to cracks.
How do you avoid damage? Park your car somewhere it won’t get hit by snow or hail. Keep a proper snow scraper in the car so you don’t damage the glass by scraping ice and snow with the wrong tool.
Protect Your Windshield Today
As you can see, weather does affect your windshield, whether you are dealing with the heat or the cold. Take the right precautions to keep your windshield in the best condition possible.
