Snow, ice, and chilly conditions will wreak havoc on your vehicle's engine, transmissions, and brakes. Unfortunately, while many vehicle owners are ensuring their car is running smoothly, they overlook another critical component that is easily damaged during winter: the windshield. Snow, ice, and the tools you use to keep your windshield clean can damage your windshield to the point it must be replaced. Here are a few simple tips to help keep your windshield safe during winter.
Defrost the Windows Slowly and Safely
If you're running late for work or the kids need to get to school, you might be tempted to take a shortcut to get the snow and ice off your windshield. This includes chipping away at the ice with your scraper or pouring hot or boiling water over your windshield. These ineffective methods are not only dangerous for you, but they will also damage your windshield.
Instead, turn on the defroster or heat inside your vehicle. There are commercial spray deicers that will help speed up this process. Either method allows the ice and snow to slowly melt and soften, which makes it easier to remove.
Use the Right Tools
Always use an ice scraper to eliminate the softened ice and snow. Never use a shovel or another tool sitting in your garage, as these are not intended to safely remove ice from your windshield. Standing on the side of your car, carefully begin to scrape off the ice from the top of the windshield down to the hood of your car.
Wipe away any snow and ice accumulations with a snow brush. Once the ice and snow are removed, check the windshield wipers to ensure they are not frozen to the vehicle. Carefully use the snow brush to remove ice and snow from the windshield wipers before turning them on.
Repair Small Chips and Cracks Immediately
While you properly remove snow and ice from the windshield, watch for cracks, chips, and other damage to your windshield. If you notice any, use caution when removing any snow and ice from the damaged section. Schedule an appointment to have the chips or cracks fixed right away. Many companies will come to your home to expertly fix the cracks or chips or replace your windshield.
Do not put off repairing your windshield. Snow and ice can quickly cause a crack to spread, which will lead to a costlier repair or the need to have the windshield replaced. If you do happen to damage the windshield, contact a company like Lloyd’s of Shelton Auto Glass LLC.
I am one of those people who has very little time, which is probably why I started having so many problems with car repairs in the first place. I began really struggling to keep my car in great condition, so I began working hard to do everything I could to ensure that my car was kept up. For instance, when a rock chip shattered my windshield on the freeway, I worked with a mobile windshield repair company to get things fixed up quickly. On this website, you can learn about everything from mobile windshield repair to the benefits of having your windshield fixed. Check it out.