The Weather's Impact On Your Windshield: What You Need To Know

Your car's windshield is a critical component, yet something you take for granted until it's broken. While driving, you are subjected to a variety of weather conditions, from the ice and snow of winter to the intense heat of summer. Have you ever considered how the weather affects your windshield's lifespan and visibility? In this blog post, we'll examine the environmental factors that threaten the integrity of your windshield and how you can protect it.

Heavy Rain and Hail

During severe thunderstorms, it's common to hear hailstones strike your windshield. However, the biggest threat during these storms is heavy rainfall. When your wipers are active during a downpour, they drag any gravel, sand, and grit across the windshield's surface, causing scratches and abrasions.

Over time, these scratches will weaken the windshield to the point where it can crack or break while driving. That's why it's important to replace your blades consistently and clean your windshield regularly to remove debris and minimize scratches.

Extreme Heat

As temperatures increase, so does the potential for damage to your windshield. Direct sunlight and hot temperatures increase the expansion and contraction of the glass, putting stress on its seal. Over time, this stress increases the likelihood of cracking or breaking. To reduce the likelihood of your windshield breaking under extreme heat conditions, park your car in a shaded area when possible. If you have no choice but to park in direct sunlight, use a windshield sun shield or park under a cover.

Ice and Snow

Winter weather can cause scratches and chips on your windshield as snow and ice fall or get scraped off. If you don't remove the ice from your windshield correctly can damage it. Chances are, you've used your wiper blades to scrape ice and snow away in the past leading to scratches and damage on your windshield. To avoid these issues, make sure to defrost and de-ice your windshield before you use your wiper blades.

Temperature Changes

Nowadays, most modern cars have a temperature control feature, which means you can set the interior temperature to your desired level. However, sudden changes in temperature can cause the windshield to crack. When you have the air conditioning on, and you immediately roll down the windows, the instant temperature change causes the windshield to expand and contract rapidly leading to stress on the windshield. Hence, it's essential to gradually regulate the temperature and avoid sudden changes.

Flying Objects

While the weather itself can have a considerable impact on your windshield, it's not always external environmental factors that pose a risk. When driving on highways, dirt and debris from other vehicles can fly up and hit your windshield, leading to chips, scratches, or even a crack. Moreover, any loose gravel or rocks that your car moves over can damage the windshield. Always avoid following other vehicles too closely and avoid routes that are under construction and have loose gravel.

In conclusion, the weather has a significant impact on your car's windshield. From heavy rains, hail, and extreme heat to snow and ice during the winter and sudden temperature changes, your windshield is exposed to a lot. It's essential to take preventive measures to keep your windshield free from damage. Regular cleaning, replacement of wiper blades, and parking in the shade can help you avoid damage.

However, if damage does occur, it's important to act fast, whether that means repairing a small crack or replacing the entire windshield. Taking precautions and responding quickly can help ensure the safety of your vehicle and more importantly, your passengers. Reach out to Low Price Auto Glass to learn more.