The Dos and Don'ts to Protect Your Windshield This Winter

Winter can bring its own set of challenges for your vehicle, and if not handled properly, it can create a much larger issue for the glass, leading to windshield replacement. One of the most annoying parts is finding your windshield covered in layers of ice. Finding ways to help prevent or lessen this can be essential for maintaining the structure of your windshield in the winter. It can also save you precious time and money by avoiding mistakes that could have been prevented.

Do Keep Your Car Inside

This might be an obvious choice, but it can be one of the most beneficial. If you have access to a carport or garage, it can help keep the windshield away from the snow and rain. If a shelter is not accessible to you, you may consider using a tarp to cover the whole vehicle or just the windshield.

Do Know That Water Can Cause More Damage

In the situation where you've considered pouring water on the glass, this can create a much larger issue. This is from the temperature fluctuation of the water hitting the glass and may result in damage leading to needing windshield crack repair.

Do Heat the Windows Up Slowly

A step you can take towards a more manageable process is to avoid turning the defrost on high. This is much more imperative if there are any damages such as chips or cracks because it can increase their size.

Do Use an Appropriate Ice Scraper

This might be common knowledge, but an ice scraper is a solution when dealing with winter weather. If you've resorted to using a handmade metal device from your toolbox, this can lead to etching or scratches in the glass surface resulting in the need for repair.

Do Park Facing the Sunrise

If you have ever parked in an East facing position in the summer, you know how quickly the temperature can go up from the heat. The same method applies to cold mornings, and if you park your vehicle in the path of direct morning sunlight, chances are it will naturally thaw the windshield for you.

Do Use a De-Icer

Deicing solutions are an excellent option in the wintertime, and many different commercial products are available on the market. You can also use a solution consisting of one part water to two parts rubbing alcohol and applying it to the glass with a spray bottle.

Do Use a Barrier

Another way to keep your windshield safer in the wintertime is to apply a protective barrier that keeps your windshield separate from the elements. Using almost anything from cardboard to a towel or sheet can create a frost-free windshield and reduce the risk of damage.

The Don'ts of Preventing Windshield Damage in the Winter

Bad tips can come from all kinds of places, and people have their solutions for each issue, but just because it worked for them doesn't mean it's the best choice for your auto glass. A few of the most common mistakes to avoid are:

Don't Use Vinegar

Some people claim that applying a vinegar solution to the windshield will help melt the ice, and while it may work for the removal, it can cause damage to your windshield. The acids from the solution may melt the ice, but it can cause pitting and etching to the glass and damage the paint, metal, or chrome sections of the car and seals.

Don't Use a Hair Dryer

Using a hair dryer might seem like an efficient way to melt the ice quickly. Unfortunately, even on a low setting, the heat can cause damage to the tint and seals of the windshield.

Don't Ignore Small Windshield Chips

A small chip in the glass might not seem like that big of a deal throughout the year, but when the temperature begins to fluctuate, it can cause the damage to grow and become a crack.

Don’t Ignore Glass Maintenance

With all the rain and snow in the winter months, it can be easy to get a buildup on the windshield. It might feel like defeating the purpose of cleaning the windshield if it gets dirty again the next day, but the truth is that buildup of debris or dirt can potentially cause scratches to the glass when you use your wipers.

GlassWerks Is Just One Call Away for Auto Glass Services Near St. Cloud, MN

Winter weather doesn't have to wreak havoc on your windshield with the right precautions, But if you find yourself needing auto glass repair, GlassWerks is here to help. We offer multiple solutions from power window repair to RV windshield repair in the greater St. Cloud area.

Let us get your windshield back in the best shape possible by contacting us today or giving us a call at 320-203-7777.