In the summertime, your windshield is under unique pressure. When you drive longer distances in your vehicle in the summertime, such as on road trips, your windshield undergoes increased vibrations for an extended period of time, and this can bring underlying issues to the forefront. Additionally, the use of air conditioning on the inside of your car combined with the hot temperatures on the outside of your car puts additional pressure and stress on your windshield. Here are four things you can do to ensure that your windshield stays safe this summer.
#1 Change Out Your Windshield Wipers
Over time, your windshield wipers can get worn down. Ideally, the pads on your windshield wipers should be thick enough so that they sweep across your windshield seamlessly. You don't want your wipers to scratch or drag on your windshield; this can chip your glass. If your windshield wipers are old, you should change them out with new ones. Be careful putting on your new wipers; don't let them snap down on your windshield; put them down onto your windshield gently.
#2 Avoid the Car Wash
If you can help it, avoid going through the instant car wash. Instead, wash your vehicle by hand at your home or at a car wash facility that allows you to do so. Your windshield can more easily get chipped when going through an instant car wash. If you already have a chip on your windshield, the pressure from the brushes and cleaning equipment can cause a small chip to expand and enlarge.
#3 Inspect Your Windshield Daily
If you are going on a long road trip, you should check your windshield every day before you hit the road. It is easy for your windshield to get a chip from a flying rock from a passing vehicle when you are spending hours on the road. Inspecting your windshield on a daily basis will ensure that you spot any issue and can address it before you get on the road.
#4 Carry a Windshield Emergency Kit
You should carry a windshield emergency kit with you at all times. All you need for an emergency kit is clear tape as well as a pin and a notepad. When you see a crack or chip appear, put clear tape over it immediately. This will help prevent the crack from spreading until you can take care of it. If the crack or chip does not spread, you can have your windshield filled instead of replaced. After you tape the crack, write down the time that it occurred and what you think caused it. This can be helpful information to have if you file an insurance claim for the damage.
For more information about windshields, talk to a professional like City Wide Auto Glass.
Share28 June 2016
When I started focusing more on car maintenance, it was astounding to see just how many things needed to be repaired on my car. I felt as if I was whittling away thousands of dollars worth of repairs, and it was really frustrating. However, I just focused on one thing at a time, and before I knew it, my car problems started to melt away. Within a few months, my car was functioning perfectly, and I wasn't worried about it starting each and every day. This blog is all about choosing better auto service and knowing which problems to address first.