Windshield and Auto Glass Care Tips this Winter

Given the nature of Michigan’s cold and icy winters, appropriate car care is a must! This not only includes taking care of the standard mechanical maintenance of your vehicle but taking care of your car’s windshield and other windows as well.

BE MINDFUL OF TEMPERATURE CHANGES

With the National Weather Service predicting a 70 percent chance of El Niño this winter, be mindful of rapid changes in temperature. Sudden changes in temperatures can cause chips and cracks to expand and spread. Be proactive, stop by and get them filled in time.

LIFT YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS AWAY FROM YOUR WINDSHIELD

When anticipating snowfall, be sure to lift your wipers away from your windshield. Leaving them stuck against the glass or attempting to wipe frost off could damage them.

BE PATIENT WITH DE-ICING

Don’t pour hot water on your windshield in an attempt to defrost! Turn on your car’s defroster and let your windshield defrost; the ice will melt away in a few minutes.

KEEP A SNOW BRUSH AND ICE SCRAPER HANDY

While the frost is slowly melting away, use the snow brush to clear away the snow build up. Once the defroster has started melting away the ice and frost, use the ice scraper to remove excess ice build-up. Also, consider keeping a pair of gloves in your car to keep warm while you clear your car of all that snow, and ice!

USE COVERED PARKING, OR COVER YOUR WINDSHIELD WHEN POSSIBLE

If parking your car inside of a garage isn’t always possible, consider purchasing an inexpensive snow cover. This will enable you to get ahead of that morning frost!

DEAL WITH IT BEFORE IT’S A REAL ISSUE

In Michigan and other northern US states, it isn’t uncommon to have debris or gravel hit your windshield while driving. If this results in a chip, get it filled in time before it becomes a more expensive fix.

According to the Motor Industry Research Association, research has shown that a chip has a 60 percent higher probability of developing into a larger crack at 32 degrees. The likelihood of a crack developing into a crack reaches 80% once temperatures fall below 14 degrees. As such, repairing chips will save you money. It’s a lot less costly than replacing your entire windshield.

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