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Winter Windshield Care—What You Need to Know!

November 5, 2019

The word winter is written in the snow on the windshield of a red car

With winter just right around the corner, now’s a good time to prepare your loyal road runner for it. And while you check the batteries, replace the fluids, switch the tires and tune up the heating system to get everything in proper working order, don’t forget the poor ol’ windshield on the car…

Cold Weather Can Be Harsh for Windshields

Winter can take a toll on your car’s windshield in quite a few ways.

For starters, the frigid temperatures can cause the windshield to contract and make it more prone to damage. Glass is a sensitive material, and even though auto glass is more robust than normal glass, it can still find the sub-zero mercury levels a little too discomforting. So you need to be extra careful when working on your car’s windshield during the winter months, especially when trying to clear the ice off it, you should proceed with precaution.

First, run the defroster for a few minutes
Next, put cold water (not hot water!) on the windshield to wash away some of the ice
Finally, use a plastic scraper to finish the job

A close up of a broken windshield with a hole in it.

Lower temperatures can even be more of a concern if you have a chipped or cracked windshield. They can exacerbate the damage, and a crack that may not be in your sightline at first, could spread to become a visual hazard. It’s, therefore, best to have any cracks or chips on your windshield repaired before the start of the winter season.
Furthermore, you also need to be wary of where you park your car outdoors. Trees should be avoided, as branches can fall from the weight of the snow and damage your car’s windshield. Instead, look for a sheltered area, but if that isn’t available, park your car out in the open to minimize chances of damage.

A car with wiper blades on the windshield is parked in the snow.

Lastly, it’s recommended to have your car’s windshield wipers replaced before the start of the winter season.
Windshield wipers get a lot of use in the winter. As such, if they are damaged or have little to no rubber covering, they can scratch your car’s windshield and cause unwanted repairs.
Of course, if you have just installed a new set of wiper blades, you don’t have to get another one, but if your wiper blades are six months older or more, then you should get them changed.

A car is driving down a snowy road lined with trees.

We wish you a happy and safe winter, and remember if you ever need a reliable windshield chip repair Bay Area or replacement service in San Jose or Bay Area, we are always here to help you out.

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