A Few Suggestions on Caring for Your Windshield During Summer Heat

Your windshield is a vital component of your car, providing both a clear field of vision and a high degree of safety for everyone in your vehicle. For example, many safety experts tell us that the windshield ranks behind only seatbelts and airbags in providing passenger safety, and for good measure, your windshield provides up to 45% of structural integrity during a head-on collision and up to 60% during a rollover.

Unfortunately, blistering summer heat can take a terrific toll on your windshield, and given its extreme importance, it only makes good sense to provide it with a little extra care as temperatures begin to soar.

High Temperatures and Your Windshield

We’re sometimes asked, can heat crack your windshield? Our answer is that while summer heat alone cannot crack your windshield, rapid temperature changes – from hot to cold or vice versa – can cause the glass to expand or contract, compromise the integrity of your windshield, and contribute to eventual damage.

In addition, the difference in temperature between the exterior and interior of your vehicle can place added pressure on the windshield. And finally, if your windshield is already damaged, fluctuating temperatures can make the situation worse. The reason for that is that glass contracts when it’s cold and expands when it’s hot.

Summer Care and Safety Tips

With these basic facts in mind, here are a few tips for caring for your windshield during the height of summer heat.

• Park in the shade: In direct sunlight, interior temperatures in your vehicle can easily soar to well above 140°, weakening your windshield and contributing to possible future damage. So if possible, park your car in the garage or under some form of shade to protect the windshield from summer’s extreme heat.

• Avoid sudden temperature changes: When you climb into a broiling vehicle, the temptation is to turn on the AC full blast. But you should avoid that as sudden temperature changes compromise the integrity of your windshield, and if it’s already damaged, the damage is likely to spread. So if possible, before cranking up the AC, open the doors and windows and allow some air to circulate to avoid damaging your windshield.

• Be careful when washing the windshield: You should avoid washing your windshield when it’s been exposed to direct sunlight and is hot. Spraying cold water on a hot windshield can cause cracks, especially if you already have some minor chips or cracks. Wait until later in the day to wash your car and windshield.

• Buy a windshield sun shield: Sun shades or shields are inexpensive and easily stored when not in use and do a good job of repelling harmful ultraviolet rays while also helping to keep down the internal temperature of your vehicle.

Frank’s Auto Glass for New and Used Glass

We hope you find our suggestions helpful in protecting your windshield against the worst of summer’s heat. And we hope that when you need auto glass repair or replacement, you’ll come to Franks Auto Glass.

We maintain a great inventory of new and high-quality used glass, and if you can’t bring your vehicle to us, we’ll come to you with the very best mobile glass services you’ll find in Chicagoland.

At our shop or at your home or place of business, we can get the job done for you, so give us a call at Frank’s Auto Glass, and let’s get to work!