Can you believe it? Summer is upon us! The temperatures have been steadily rising and it’s time to plan your summer BBQs, picnics, road trips, beach days, and pool parties. While your focus is on these fun summer plans, we’re sure the last thing on your mind is how the weather can affect your car’s windshield but it’s important to be aware to ensure your safety throughout the summer.
Extreme weather, both hot and cold, can put a lot of stress on your car’s windshield and could eventually cause it to crack. While we understand nobody wants to deal with that, it’s important to address these issues for the sake of safety. While we certainly can’t control the weather or temperature changes, we can help you take steps to avoid windshield damage as a result of extreme weather.
Here are some tips to follow during the hot summer months:
· The first thing you do when you get into a hot car is likely turn on the air conditioner at full blast. We know it’s no fun to sit in a sweltering car, but rapidly cooling your car’s interior can be very stressful on your auto glass and could even cause it to crack. We recommend cooling your car slowly, and putting the AC on low to start. You’ll also want to angle the vents away from the windshield (and your other windows). These steps can make a difference in extending the life of your windshield.
· Summer means road trips, which means more cars on the road, leading to more chipped and cracked windshields and auto glass. If you’re driving down the highway, keep your distance from semi-trucks, construction vehicles, delivery trucks, etc. These large vehicles often kick up debris, pebbles, rocks, etc. sending them flying. This flying road debris can chip your car’s paint and more importantly, could chip your windshield. While it may not seem like much at the moment, even a small chip should be repaired as soon as possible, as it will quickly spread – temperature changes can escalate these issues. By addressing the problem immediately when it’s still a chip, you’ll save yourself from having to do a full windshield replacement.
In the winter, these same suggestions apply because the cold temperatures outside can also impact your windshield and auto glass. Don’t blast the heat inside the car too quickly, as the sudden change in temperature can cause damage to your windshield. And be sure to address any chips in your windshield right away before they spread and a crack develops.
At Auto Glass Service, we think it’s important for all of our customers to be educated and understand the types of windshield damage that can be repaired and the damage that requires a complete windshield replacement. If you’re not sure what your windshield needs, contact Auto Glass Service today and we’ll help you figure it out so you can get back on the road safely this summer.
