During the winter, your car has to suffer through the cold weather and various weather elements. Your windshield is one of the most exposed components of your car and is also one of the most important since it maintains the structural integrity of your vehicle. Therefore, you need to make sure your windshield is safe and sound throughout the winter here in Minnesota. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your windshield safe from harsh weather extremes:
1. Invest in a Car Blanket
You protect the interior of your car during the summer with a sun shade, so why not use a car blanket during the winter to protect the exterior of your car and its windshield. A car blanket will typically fit somewhat snug around the outside of your vehicle. You can put it on there at night before you go to bed. When you wake up the next morning to go to work, you won't need to run your defroster or anything in order to get the ice and snow off the windshield because there won't be any!
2. Rub an Onion on Your Windshield
Most people have at least one onion in their pantry. While you may be saving it for you next meal, you may want to consider using it on your windshield the night before a big freeze. The oils in the onion will come off onto the windshield and keep the glass from frosting over.
3. Avoid Extreme Changes in Temperature
Never pour boiling hot water onto your windshield when it is iced over. Sure, it will probably melt the frost (which may or may not re-freeze), but it's not without its consequences. That sudden change in temperature could cause your windshield to crack, requiring an immediate repair. Instead, if there is ice on your windshield, you want to turn on your defroster and set it to low. It should never be set to high.
4. Use Alcohol on Your Wiper Blades
One of the worst things on a cold morning is your windshield wipers not working because they're frozen to your windshield. Luckily, this can easily be avoided by soaking a cloth in rubbing alcohol and wiping down each blade. This will keep the blades from sticking and ensure that they function properly for you even on the coldest of days.
5. Park Inside a Garage
Obviously, the best thing that you can do is park your vehicle in a garage so that the ice and snow doesn't get anywhere near your vehicle.
Cold weather can be a real pain, but it doesn't have to be. All you have to be is prepared. With the above tips, you should be able to tackle some of the worst winter days that we see here in Minneapolis. When all else fails and you have a rock chip or a cracked windshield, it is important to have it repaired or replaced immediately, as the cold will only cause more damage and put you and your occupants at risk. Contact us at Only 1 Auto Glass, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
