Ready or not, winter is rapidly approaching, and as you probably know, a Chicagoland winter can really play havoc with your vehicle’s windshield. At first glance, taking care of your windshield during winter should be a pretty straight-forward task. Aside from getting new wipers, keeping the windshield cleaned off, and avoiding sharp scraping tools, it all seems pretty easy.

In reality, however, taking care of your windshield in winter is a bit more complicated than you might think. To help you prolong its life, here are some things you should not do to your windshield in winter.

1. Using a Snow Shovel

If you don’t have a scraper that’s designed for removing snow and ice from your windshield, you might be tempted to use your snow shovel to do the job – but you should never do that. It’s really hard to maneuver a shovel over your windshield, and when trying to do so you can easily damage the glass. Always use the proper snow and ice removal equipment on your windshield to avoid unnecessary auto glass repairs.

2. Using Warm Water to De-Ice

No matter how pressed you may be for time, you should never try to de-ice your windshield using warm or hot water. Remember, glass expands and contracts in response to temperature changes, and if you pour warm or hot water on a windshield that’s caked with ice, the sudden expansion can easily lead to cracks, and those cracks can lead to windshield replacement in Chicago.

3. Cranking up the Defroster

If you use your defroster to warm up your vehicle as you’re heading out for the day, avoid cranking it up to its highest setting. If you do that, the end result can be similar to pouring warm water on your windshield. A sudden rush of warm air can easily cause your windshield to crack, especially if it already has some minor damage.

4. Ignoring Minor Damage

Ignoring minor damage can lead to major problems, given that glass expands and contracts as the temperature fluctuates. Even though a minor crack might not seem like anything to worry about, daytime changes in temperature can easily cause that crack to grow larger. If a small crack grows beyond a certain point, auto glass replacement is inevitable

5. Using Icy Wipers

When you’re in a hurry, you may be tempted to use wipers that are caked with ice – but that is not a good idea. First, in that state they’re non-functional, and when driving they won’t provide you a clear line of vision. Secondly, using them increases the chances of scratching the glass. So, if you want to avoid windshield replacement in Chicago this winter, allow your wipers to defrost before using them.

6. Parking in an Unsafe Spot

Unsafe parking spots include places like under large icicles or tree branches caked with ice and snow, either of which can fall and damage your windshield – possibly beyond repair. It’s better to be safe than sorry if you want to avoid winter windshield repair and replacement in Chicago, Illinois.

Serving Chicagoland for Over a Half Century

At Frank’s Auto Glass, we take pride in having served Chicagoland for over 50 years. Whenever you need windshield repair service or windshield replacement in the Chicago area, we can do it all for you. Keep in mind, we provide both in-shop and mobile services. Call 773-488-7700 today for the best auto glass service Chicago, IL has to offer.