Did you know that windshield cracks are 60 to 80 per cent more likely to spread during cold weather? According to the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA), colder temperatures mould your windshield into a concave shape, compromising the structural integrity of your vehicle.
A deteriorated windshield puts you, the driver, at risk. More than a window, your windshield ensures airbags are deployed correctly, protects you from ejection in an accident and helps stabilize the roof should your car roll over in a crash.
Winter driving is bad enough as it is, what with icy roads, gusty winds and snowbanks at every turn. Reduce the risk of a treacherous drive this season by ensuring that your car’s structural integrity is up to par. Learn how the cold weather can put your windshield at risk from the experts at Capital Auto Glass in Victoria, BC.
While cold weather is rarely the reason why your windshield gets chipped or cracked, it can cause those signs of wear and tear to worsen. That is why it’s important to visit your local auto glass specialist for your windshield chip repair or complete glass replacement needs before the season’s chill sweeps through Victoria, BC.
How your windshield is at risk
Removing ice or frost with a scraper can further aggravate any existing chips or cracks. Try to avoid vigorously scraping away at the glass in your haste to get to work on time; we’ve all been there. Instead, heat up your car and let the defrosters work their magic by thawing the ice first—you’ll even save yourself the arm cramp. But be careful; blasting mega-hot air from your defroster can also worsen your windshield’s already vulnerable condition.
Whatever you do, don’t pour hot water on your windshield to speed up the thawing process! Hot water causes the glass to expand and retract, weakening its strength and durability and ultimately causing existing cracks to spread.
The winter’s constant thaw and chill cycles also pose a threat to existing chips or cracks in your windshield. These tiny window fractures can allow a significant amount of moisture to seep into the glass, where it gets trapped, freezes and later expands.
Don’t wait! Consult your auto glass specialist today
The longer you leave a chip or crack in your windshield unattended, the more likely it is to worsen—especially when cold weather strikes. Capital Auto Glass can get it fixed quickly! We’re your best defense against a weakened windshield, offering comprehensive auto glass solutions like complete glass replacement and windshield chip repair for Victoria, BC drivers.
Don’t wait until the frost settles in to fix that menacing chip in your windshield—contact us today!
Comments