Your car’s windshield goes through a lot, especially in extreme temperatures. Whether it’s the scorching heat of summer or freezing winter temperatures, your auto glass can expand, contract, and even crack under pressure. The good news? A little prevention can go a long way in keeping your windshield intact. Here are some simple but effective tips to protect your auto glass, no matter the season.
How Extreme Temperatures Affects Auto Glass
How Heat Affects Auto Glass
Extreme heat doesn’t just make your car’s interior uncomfortable, but it can also put your auto glass at risk. When temperatures rise, your windshield and windows expand, creating extra pressure. If there’s even a small chip or crack in the glass, the heat can cause it to spread quickly, turning a minor issue into an expensive repair.
Sudden temperature changes can make things even worse. If you’ve ever jumped into a scorching hot car and blasted the A/C on full power, you might be unknowingly stressing your windshield. The rapid cooling causes the glass to contract quickly, which can weaken it over time and even lead to cracks. To keep your auto glass in top shape, it’s important to be mindful of how extreme heat and temperature shifts affect it.
How Cold Weather Affects Auto Glass
Winter weather can be just as risky for auto glass. When temperatures drop, your windshield and windows contract, making the glass more brittle and vulnerable to damage. If there are already small chips or cracks, cold weather can make them worse, especially when moisture seeps in and freezes. As the water expands into ice, it can force those tiny imperfections to spread into larger cracks.
One common mistake drivers make is pouring hot water on a frozen windshield to speed up defrosting. While it might seem like a quick fix, the sudden temperature change can cause the glass to crack or even shatter. Instead, using a proper ice scraper, defrost setting, or de-icing spray is a safer way to clear your windshield without risking damage.
Tips for Protecting Auto Glass in Extreme Heat
Scorching summer temperatures can make your car feel like an oven, and it can also put stress on your auto glass. When exposed to direct sunlight, your windshield absorbs heat and expands. To keep your auto glass in top shape, try parking in the shade or using a sunshade to reduce heat buildup.
Another simple trick is to leave your windows slightly cracked when parked. This helps release trapped hot air and reduces the pressure that can strain the glass. But be careful—never pour cold water on a hot windshield to cool it down. The sudden temperature shift can cause the glass to crack instantly. Lastly, if you notice any chips, get them repaired as soon as possible. The heat can quickly turn a small issue into a more expensive windshield replacement.
Tips for Protecting Auto Glass in Extreme Temperatures
Winter can be tough on your windshield, so it’s important to take some preventative measures to protect it. To prevent damage, start by using a windshield cover or parking in a garage to shield your car from frost and ice buildup. This simple step saves you time in the morning and reduces stress on the glass.
When defrosting, resist the urge to blast hot air directly onto your windshield. The sudden change from freezing to warm can cause cracks to form or spread. Instead, let your car warm up gradually by starting with low heat and slowly increasing the temperature.
If your windshield already has small chips, get them repaired before winter. Cold weather can make even tiny cracks grow, leading to costly replacements. And when clearing ice, always use a proper plastic ice scraper—metal tools or household items like keys and knives can scratch or even crack the glass. Taking these precautions will help keep your auto glass in great shape all winter long.
When to Seek Professional Help
A small chip in your windshield might not seem like a big deal, but ignoring it can lead to repairs down the road. If you notice a crack spreading, even slightly, it’s time to act fast. Extreme temperatures can cause small cracks to grow quickly, weakening your windshield and putting you at risk for a full replacement.
If a chip is in your line of sight or larger than a quarter, it’s best to get it professionally repaired as soon as possible. Professionals can use specialized resins to seal the damage and prevent further spreading. Treatments like protective films or coatings can also strengthen your windshield and make it more resistant to future damage from rocks, debris, and extreme weather.
Don’t wait to fix small problems with your auto glass. If you notice any signs of damage, schedule a repair with a trusted auto glass professional to keep your windshield safe and clear.
Choose Utah Mobile Auto Glass for Repairs
Utah’s extreme temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle’s windshield, causing small chips to spread into major cracks. Utah Mobile Auto Glass offers expert repair and replacement services to keep your auto glass safe and secure year-round. Whether your windshield has been weakened by summer heat or winter frost, our team provides fast, reliable service to get you back on the road safely. Contact us today for mobile auto glass repair or replacement!
