4 Ways To Protect Your Vehicle's Windshield During The Summer
During the summer, when the temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees, your windshield can really take a beating. Here are four things you can do to protect your windshield against the heat and wear that it will encounter this summer.
#1 Wait Until The Sun Is Setting To Wash Your Car
In the summer, you should avoid washing your vehicle out in the direct sunlight. You should also avoid washing your car when the windshield is really hot. The contrast of the cold water from your house and the hotness of your windshield can cause it to crack. It is best to wash your vehicle when the sun is lower in the sky and is therefore not be beating down on your vehicle.
#2 Resist The Urge To Slam Doors, Hood & Trunk Shut
Be careful when you shut your vehicle's doors, hood and trunk. Slamming shut your doors, hood or trunk can send vibrations through your car and through your windshield. These vibrations can cause very small chips in your windshield to spread very quickly, especially when your windshield is already vulnerable from all the summer heat.
#3 Change Temperatures Gradually
Changing temperatures suddenly can out stress on your windshield. For example, if your vehicle is parked in the sunshine and is really hot and then you get in and blast the A/C, this can stress out your windshield. If your car is parked in the sun or if it is really hot inside of your car, it is much better for your windshield if you to roll down your windows and let some of the heat out first. Next, start your A/C off on a low setting, and gradually lower the temperature. This change will be much less drastic and damaging to your windshield.
#4 Park In The Shade Whenever You Can
When you can, you should park in the shade. All that direct sunlight can be harmful to your windshield. Excessive heat can make your windshield less stable. Due to the heat making your windshield less stable, a very tiny chip in your windshield can easily spread and crack your entire windshield.
You can avoid this by parking in the shade whenever possible and avoiding the direct heat. If you can, park under a parking structure or in your garage. If it is impossible to avoid the sun, put a sun protector on your windshield to reduce the effects of direct sunlight on your windshield.
#5 Get Cracks Fixed Right Away
If you see a crack on your windshield -- even if it is really tiny -- you should get it fixed right away. There are so many situations in the summer that can cause a tiny crack or ding on your windshield to spread and ruin your windshield. It is less expensive to repair a crack than it is to replace your entire windshield.
If you follow the first four steps, you should reduce the chance that your windshield gets damaged this summer. If it does get damaged, be sure to get the crack fixed as soon as possible to keep your repair bill as low as possible. Visit a company like Glass On Wheels to get your windshield cracks and chips repaired.