Winter Safety: Effects of
Winter on Car Windows
Winter has its own unique effect on auto glass and particularly on windshields. There are some simple tips to keep in mind that can protect your windshield while it protects you during harsh, cold weather.
Winter can serve up severe temperature variations at times which is hard on windshields. It also brings with it added road hazards, such as the trucks that are busy plowing the snow to the side of the roads. As they are plowing, these trucks can fling chunks of ice into your path. While they are doing this, they are also laying down sand or salt in all directions to reduce the danger of cars slipping on the icy cold roads. Moving all of this snow, sand, and salt adds to the possibility that a passing motorist may toss a pebble or chunk of ice on your windshield. It is a good idea to stay alert when these trucks are around. Give these trucks plenty of space and keep a slow, steady speed. This may aid you in avoiding such an event.
Driving safely within this type of environment still does not ensure that you won’t receive a chip or crack in your windshield. While it is tempting to hold off repairing or replacing a damaged windshield until winter is over, it isn’t a good idea as changing temperatures add additional stress on the glass. It’s best to get into a National Glass Association certified auto glass shop that employs technicians that are also certified so that they can determine whether the windshield can simply be repaired or instead needs replaced. Since the windshield is a vital part of a vehicle’s safety system, even a small chip can make it dangerous to drive on winter roads, as the chip can create a weakness in the windshield. Also, if it is a small crack or chip, the cost to repair it is minimal and the temperature variations tend to speed up the process of potential spider cracks that require a windshield replacement, which are more costly. If the chip is in the line of sight of the driver, it is probable that the windshield will need replaced.
There are a couple of other things to avoid in the winter, for instance, attempting to remove ice from the windshield using hot water. Auto glass is not designed to withstand this rapid and drastic temperature change. Using a plastic ice scraper will help prevent scratching the windshield, which is difficult to buff out. Avoid using keys, putty knives, or other metal objects to avoid scratches. Plastic ice scrapers cost very little and you could even keep a couple of extras in your car so that you are always prepared. Whatever you do, avoid attempting to drive while looking through a small circle of cleared windshield. Visibility is extremely limited when driving this way. Take a few minutes to either warm up your windshield or scrape off the ice for safety’s sake. If not for that reason, then do it to prevent possibly receiving a costly ticket.
We’ve all probably taken reckless chances at times with no negative consequences which encourages us to continue to do so. But it only takes one reckless decision to change the rest of your life. Stop and take a few moments to ensure your windshield is allowing the best visibility to keep you and your family safer.
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SunTec Auto Glass is a family-owned business located in Arizona, serving most of Maricopa and Pinal counties. We are auto glass repair professionals and specialize in windshield replacement, auto glass repair, window tinting and glass etching. The installation team at Suntec Auto Glass maintains the highest level of certification available in the windshield repair and auto glass replacement industry. From headlights to taillights, from the east valley to west valley, whether you are looking to have a windshield replaced or even a side window replaced such as a door glass, quarter glass, or vent glass the team at Suntec Auto Glass can do it. If you live in Globe, Bylas, or Central look no further. For professional help and premium quality automotive glass, parts and moldings. Contact us today.
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