A flying rock can chip or crack your windshield. After being struck, you should make an appointment to have the chip or crack filled in to prevent it from growing. However, when you call to make an appointment, it may be several days until your appointment, depending on how busy the auto glass repair shop is. During this time, you will want to protect your windshield from the sun and heat extremes. The sun and heat can both cause your glass to heat up and expand, which can cause the crack or chip to rapidly spread. If this happens, the crack or chip can become too large to repair and your entire windshield will need to be replaced. Here are a few tips for protecting your windshield against heat extremes until it can be repaired.
Park in the Shade
One of the best ways to protect your windshield against heat extremes is to park your car out of direct sunlight. This may be in your garage while you are at home, or in the shade while you are at work. A shaded spot can help to minimize the amount of sun that hits your windshield, which in turn prevents it from heating up and contracting, which can cause the chip or crack to grow.
Don't Pour or Spray Hot Water on the Windshield
Another way to help protect against a chip or crack growing due to heat extremes is to not pour or spray hot water on the windshield. If your windshield is icy in the morning, you may pour warm water on it. This is never recommended as it can cause the glass to shatter. And if you are going to wash your car, the water coming out of your hose may be hot when you first turn it on if it has been sitting in the sun. While it is recommended you don't wash your car before the crack is repaired, if you must, allow the water to cool before you spray your windshield down with it.
Don't Let Your Heater Blow on the Glass
The last tip for protecting your windshield crack against heat extremes is not let your heater blow on your windshield. If it is cold, you can use your heater but try to use the vents by your feet to warm the car. Warm air blowing from the registers by the windshield can heat the glass up and cause the crack to grow.
If your windshield has a crack or chip, let the technicians at Only 1 Auto Glass, in St. Paul, Minnesota, repair it for you. Give us a call today to ask any questions you may have, get an estimate or set up a repair appointment.