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  Sudden temperature shifts can wreak havoc on your car’s windshield. Glass molecules expand as the temperature increases and contract as the temperature dips. This frequent expansion and contraction can damage the lamination and cause cracks on the outer surface of the windshield. As winters are around the corner, it’s important to understand how the shifting temperature will affect your windshield and what you can do to prevent the damage.

Protecting Your Windshield When the Temperature Suddenly Dips

During winter, cars are exposed to extreme cold, snow storms, hail, and frosting. Even if you live in an area with mild winters, it’s viable to be aware of your windshield’s state. It isn’t the extremely low temperatures that damage your windshield; it’s the rapid temperature shifts that cause the most harm.

Don’t Turn the Heater Dial to “High” Immediately

When it’s freezing outside, all you want is some warmth inside your car—and it’s completely normal. But before you turn that heater on, it’s important to remember one thing.                                                                                              

If you blast the hot air on your frozen windshield, it will crack—for sure.

Remember, cranking the dial to “high” will not help. Instead, what you can do is slowly increase the temperature and fan speed as the windshield begins to adapt to the warm atmosphere inside the car.

Hot Boiling Water Will Do More Damage and No Good

Also, remember no matter how frozen your car’s windshield is, and how late you are for work—pouring hot boiling water on your windshield is NEVER a solution. If you do it, you are in for a disaster. If you must get rid of the ice on your windshield, there are better ways of doing that. Use a windshield ice scraper to clear the frost. Do not use a shovel or a sharp edged knife,  as it could lead to scratches on the glass, which might hinder your vision while driving. It’s wise to keep a set of scrapers inside your car at all. Also, make sure you scrape in a horizontal direction across the windshield. No matter the quality of scraper, if you do it vertically, you will end up chipping your glass.                                    

Use a Good Quality Washer Fluid for the Ice Residue

Now that you are done scraping off the ice from your windshield, rinse it with a washer fluid and wipe it using a soft piece of cloth. During winters, the visibility is already blurred due to fog and ice, so it’s better to keep your car stocked with the cleaning fluid at all times. Additionally, make sure your wiper blades are functioning well. You can even install wiper blades that are especially designed to wipe off snow. Even after the precautions, if your windshield does chip or crack, get in touch with Auto Glass in San Antonio. We have been providing impeccable 24-hour mobile windshield repair and replacement services across San Antonio. With 30 years of experience under our belt, you can rely on us for all your auto glass problems! To get an estimate and for more information about our services, get in touch with us at (210) 793-7115!