Summer often means scenic drives, beach visits, and road trips. However, cars are not heatproof, and the summer heat can pose a serious threat to your windshield. Fortunately, the tips below can protect the windshield from scorching temperatures.
Park in the Shade
Auto engineers design windshields to be quite strong, but they are not damage-proof. Intense heat can cause the glass to crack and expand in weak areas.
If you have ever touched the windshield after leaving your car under the sun for hours, you likely know it can be hot enough to burn skin. The effect of summer heat is worse on a windshield with cracks, as the heat causes the chips to spread.
The best way to protect windshields from the sun is to park your automobile in a shaded area. A parking garage is ideal, but you can also leave the car under a building’s shade. While you can park under a tree, keep in mind that branches can damage the windshield. Therefore, check for overhanging branches before you leave your car.
If you must park under the sun, ensure that the windshield faces away from the glare. Additionally, you can invest in windshield sunshades, which are portable and available for a small price. The sunshades reflect light and reduce the time your car’s interior needs to cool down.
Repair Any Damage
The windshield, like any other glass, expands due to heat and contracts in the cold. This expansion and contraction widens any cracks and chips and affects the windshield’s integrity. While you might easily dismiss small cracks, a damaged windshield will not protect you as it should in case of a crash. Thus, check for any windshield cracks and take the car to an auto glass technician.
Avoid Drastic Temperature Changes
Sudden temperature changes expose the windshield to stress. As already established, auto glass expands and contracts to hot and cold weather. However, this expansion and contraction should happen gradually.
For example, if you have left your car under the hot sun for multiple hours, cranking the AC sends a blast of cold air to the expanded windshield. As a result, the glass contracts quickly, sometimes resulting in cracks and chips. The damage is greater if cracks have already compromised your windshield.
When you turn on the AC, turn it to a low setting and angle the vents away from the glass. As a result, the windshield cools down gradually as you get more comfortable.
Also, avoid washing the windshield when the weather is hot or after you have left the car in the sun. Cold water causes the hot auto glass to contract suddenly and can result in cracks. Thus, park your car for some time after a long drive before you wash it.
Check the Wiper Blades for Damage
A clear windshield keeps you safe as you enjoy summer activities. However, wiper blades degrade over time and compromise a driver’s safety. In fact, many car owners do not think about windshield wiper blades until they drive during summer storms. Since a streaked windshield is the last thing you want in dangerous weather, check for tears on the blades.
Don’t Slam Doors
An expanded windshield is vulnerable to stress and pressure. Thus, the vibration of slammed car doors widens cracks and chips on the windshield. In fact, you may not notice tiny cracks until they expand due to a slammed door. Therefore, close the doors carefully to ensure the windshield remains intact.
A well-maintained windshield is a reliable companion during summer. If you need reputable windshield repair or maintenance services, contact us at Martin Glass Co. without delay.