Winter brings cold air, snowy landscapes, and a number of costly car repairs–especially on aging vehicles. Brakes, tires, and windshields are among the most common automotive components that winter takes its toll on.
When the temperature drops, glass is more susceptible to cracking and chips can quickly turn into spidering cracks. Windshield issues can be even worse if the wrong defrosting method is used or if cracks are ignored.
Let’s talk about how to prevent windshield cracks in winter, why auto glass is so vulnerable during winter, and what to do if you have a chip in your window.
Why Windshields Are More Prone to Cracks in Freezing Weather
When temperatures fluctuate, your car’s glass contracts when it’s cold and expands when it’s warm. These molecular-level shifts in the glass create tension, which, in turn, leads to cracking. If the glass already has minor imperfections or chips, these can be accentuated with the changes in temperature.
Existing chips or cracks are made worse during winter due to water seeping into them and expanding when freezing. The colder it gets, the more brittle your glass tends to be, which makes existing damage more likely to worsen.
Thermal shock happens with sudden temperature changes. Two of the most common types of thermal shock on windshields happens when pouring on hot water to melt ice or blasting the defroster heating. Both forms can crack perfectly good glass or make existing chips and cracks worse.
Best Ways to Prevent Windshield Cracks in Cold Weather
Here’s how to keep your windshield from cracking in freezing temperatures.
Park in a Garage or Use a Windshield Cover
Parking under a covered space or in a garage is the best way to protect your car from ice, snow, and frost. If you can’t find a garage or carport to park under, consider buying a windshield cover. Not only will a cover keep your glass protected, it also makes getting going in the mornings faster as you don’t have to spend time defrosting your window.
Defrost Gradually
Defrost your glass slowly by setting your defroster on low and gradually increasing the temperature. This can reduce the chance of damage due to the thermal shock of warm interior air meeting with ice-covered glass.
Avoid Pouring Hot Water on a Frozen Windshield
It may be a quick way to get going in the morning, but pouring hot water over an icy window can lead to instant cracking.
Use a Soft Ice Scraper & De-Icer Spray
Get a plastic ice-scraper that won’t scratch the glass and use it in conjunction with a de-icer spray while you wait for your vehicle to warm up enough to use the defroster.
Check for Existing Chips & Get Them Repaired Early
Get chips repaired before the temperature drops as these chips can quickly turn into large cracks due to the cold.
Use Winter-Grade Windshield Washer Fluid
Frozen windshield wiper fluid is useless for trying to clear frost and debris off. Instead, look for a winter-grade washer fluid that can withstand temperatures in excess of -20 Fahrenheit.
Replace Old or Worn-Out Wiper Blades
Old wiper blades can be useless when their rubber is brittle or broken and can even cause scratches on your windshield. It’s a good idea to replace aging wipers before winter to make sure they work when you need them to.
What to Do If You Notice a Small Crack or Chip
If you notice a crack or chip on your car’s windshield, get it fixed as soon as you can and definitely do it before the cold sets in. If you can’t get your chip professionally fixed, you might want to invest in a DIY repair kit for a temporary patch that can help prevent the issue from getting worse.
You should also try to avoid rough, bumpy roads, including potholes or anything else that can cause vibrations. Don’t slam doors either as these can all lead to cracks getting bigger.
When to Replace Your Windshield in Winter
If your windshield has a long, deep crack that appears to continuously be growing, you definitely need to have your glass professionally replaced. If your window’s damage is blocking your line of sight or is causing sun glare, it’s time to have the windshield replaced.
If your advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is obstructed or impaired due to damage, you may need to get a full windshield replacement.
Get Full Windshield Repair & ADAS Configuration in Flagstaff
Make cold weather windshield protection part of your winter preparations. If you have a chip, get it patched sooner rather than later to save money. If you have a crack, don’t chance it and have your auto glass replaced so that your winter travels are that much more safe.
If you live in Flagstaff, reach out to Inspector’s Auto Appearance for professional auto glass services that you can rely on. Click or call today to schedule your appointment.