A car windshield is often underestimated but is the most vital part of the car as it provides visibility, and saves everyone inside the car from dust, debris, and rocks.
Though the windshield design is robust, it gets exposed to different seasons which can damage it, so you need to protect it, especially during winter and summer. In this blog, we have given some maintenance practices and measures that will help you deal with the challenges posed by summer, winter, spring and fall.
Winter is the most challenging time for the car windshield, and therefore you should safeguard your car during the cold weather. If possible, park your car in a sheltered area such as a garage as it will help protect the windshield from the outside extreme weather conditions. However, if you can't keep your car inside, take precautions while removing ice and snow such as not scratching the ice inappropriately as it will cause scratches on the glass. Consider buying an ice scraper to remove the ice and snow. Also, if your car already has cracks, they are more likely to spread during the winter.
So, before the winters knock on your door, carefully inspect the car for any damage. If you find any cracks or chips, contact a professional car windshield replacement company- they will take care of it. Similarly, use an ice scraper or soft brushes to clear the windshield. Also, avoid pouring hot water on the windshield. These steps will protect your windshield from the harsh winters and contribute to its longevity.
If you have just fixed your windshield or always park your car in the hot weather or unshaded area, it's vital to protect it from direct sunlight and extreme weather. One of the simplest yet effective ways is to park it in a shaded area or use windscreen covers to protect it during the hot weather. You can also use sunshade tinting to reduce the impact of sunlight on the glass. Also, avoid sudden temperature changes which happen when you turn on the AC in a hot car. So, first, turn on the fan and let the hot air out and then turn the AC on.
Moreover, some people think that washing a car's windshield in the summer does not cause any harm to it. But if you pour cold water when the glass is hot, you will create a temperature difference which can damage your windshield. So, clean your windshield early morning or late evening when the sun is down or not so bright.
Autumn is the time when trees shed their leaves and make everything look amazing, from parks to streets. However, this is also the time when you should protect your windshield from leaves. Leaves release harmful chemicals that can damage the windshield and if they stay on the glass for long hours, they leave a mark which hinders the operation of the wiper blades.
So, don't delay cleaning the leaves from your windshield and, also don't park your vehicles under the tree. Plus, drive slowly because speeding can lead to leaves on the road flying up on your windshield. Some other things that you can do are washing your dashboard regularly, applying brakes gently and more.
Unlike autumn, spring is the time when flowers blossom and trees are covered with greenery, making everything beautiful. But during spring, pollens, tree sap and other things get quickly deposited on the windshield. If pollen remains stuck to the glass, it leaves a residue that is hard to clean and makes it difficult for wiper blades to operate. One of the best ways to protect your windshield from pollen and other debris is to clean it frequently and remove anything above the glass.
One can also consider investing in windscreen covers- they will protect it from pollen, especially when you park your car outside. Also, inspect your windshield for any cracks as springs can spread them and get your cracked windshield repair by professionals before the season arrives.
So, this is how you can protect your windshield from different seasons. Also keep your wiper blades in good condition as damaged wipers leave streaks on glass, impairing your visibility and damaging your windshield. Inspection is another thing that will help you avoid the stress of emergency repairs during different seasons.
Some ways that can help you increase the longevity of your windshield are regular cleaning of the windshield, inspection of the glass for any cracks, and if found any getting it repaired as soon as possible, driving cautiously and avoiding ambient temperature changes.
Though the lifespan of a windshield depends upon many factors such as the make and model of the car, the environment to which it is exposed, maintenance of the car and more, the average lifespan of a windshield is about 5-10 years.
Typically, a windscreen is repaired two to three times, but many factors decide its frequency, such as type and size of damage, location of damage, previous repair, condition of the frequency and more.
Glass when exposed to cold contracts and expands when came in contact with heat. This expansion and contraction puts pressure/stress on the glass, leading to cracks and chips. Also, sudden temperature changes, such as going from extreme cold to heat and heat to cold, cause cracks and chips.
