Protecting your auto glass in winter is a crucial part of your vehicle maintenance. Your windshield, in particular, needs care, especially during the winter. Below are a few tips to remember this season

How to Maintain Your Windshield in Winter

1. Defrost First

You may be tempted to scrape ice and snow off of your windshield so you can quickly get on the road safely, but this can lead to damage by scratching the glass. Defrost the auto glass first to remove frosty accumulation with the scraper or wipers, while also protecting your glass from dings and scratches when using too much force. You will also have a warm car to drive in when you are ready to go.

2. Keep Back

Maintain a good distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. The closer you drive to them, the more likely your windshield will get slammed with ice and snow that breaks loose from their car or the road beneath their wheels. If a large ice chunk hits your glass, a cracked windshield may be unavoidable, which can interfere with visibility, or it may shatter.

3. Repair Quickly

Sometimes scratches and cracks are unavoidable during a winter storm. If you notice a crack, even if it is tiny, schedule a windshield repair as soon as possible. Leaving a chip risks the damage getting more extensive, such as a tiny chip becoming a spider web of cracks.

4. Watch Where You Park

If possible, do not park under trees, especially if they are heavy with snow and ice. Not only will this accumulation fall onto your car, but the limb itself can also plummet since the wood is brittle and under stress from the weight of snow. This will crack your auto glass and damage other components, such as your wiper blades. Even if there isn’t any snow, a large gust of wind in a frigid storm may hit a loose branch, causing it to fall.

5. Use Proper Tools

Do not scrape ice off of your windshield with a shovel, which will scratch your glass. Only use scrapers designed for automobiles.

Also, refrain from pouring hot water over your vehicle to melt the ice. This shocks the glass because of the drastic temperature difference, which causes it to crack and, eventually, shatter. When using your wipers, ensure there are no ice chunks stuck to them that can scrape across your windshield.

If you have a cracked windshield or need a replacement in West Plains, MO, then MO-Ark Glass can help. Their knowledgeable team provides auto glass and window services large and small for residential and commercial clients. As an authorized dealer of Graber® Blinds and other window treatments, they can even help you find the perfect complement for your glass. Call (417) 257-2040 for auto glass repair.