Overcoming Winter Weather Challenges
Cold weather can present some real challenges when it comes to your vehicle’s windshield. Take a moment to really think about it: Your windshield is your window to the world when you’re driving so clear visibility is extraordinarily important for safe travels.
From ice scrapers to avoiding costly windshield repair (or windshield replacement), here are 3 tips to ensure that your windshield can do its job even in the most extreme cold weather.
1. Don’t ever pour hot water on a frozen windshield.
Let’s say you head outside and see your vehicle covered with ice or snow cover. You think, “Hey, maybe I can heat up a pot of water on the stove and melt that off fast!”
Don’t do it! Just like that time in high school when you thought you would run for prom king, it’s a bad idea. You run the risk of shattering the glass the second that hot water hits the frigid glass (especially if the cold temperatures are still below freezing point).
“Hey, what about that sweet propane torch?”
No. Ditto for using a propane torch. Glass does not do well with sudden temperature changes.
All Pro Servicenter Pro Tip: Turn on your engine and start the defroster, which heats the windshield up gradually. Use a plastic scraper designed for windshields (don’t EVER use metal to scrape) and (most importantly) be patient.
Bonus Tip: Don’t hammer on the ice to break it into pieces. Sudden pressure and glass don’t mix.
2. Keep your wiper blades up off the glass.
If you park your vehicle outside and you think there’s a chance of frozen precipitation falling, do what smart winter drivers do. Lift the wiper arms off the glass and leave them extended with the blades not touching the glass at all. That way when you go back to your vehicle, you won’t have to try to pull the wipers off the icy glass (which can damage the rubber blades) or start the wipers with them frozen solid to the windshield.
All Pro Servicenter (Not-so) Fun Fact: Many drivers have burned out their wiper motor trying to fight through frozen snow and ice… Good to know, wiper motor can be a pricey repair.
3. Keep your windshield washer fluid topped off and use it often.
So you’ve followed the steps above and you’re on the road. Salt, brine, and sand can muck up the windshield fast, causing your wiper blades to smear the glass, re-freeze the icy snow, and blind you.
All Pro Servicenter Pro Tip: It’s important to use wiper fluid made for low temperatures so it doesn’t freeze on your glass. Use it often so any road debris won’t scratch the glass-like sandpaper… because, yikes! Another very pricy repair. Finally, make sure your defroster is working properly, keeping your windshield warm enough to prevent ice from forming.
Bonus Tip: Know when to replace your windshield wipers!
You can do your very best to keep your windshield wipers and windshield protected, but all good things must come to an end. This includes the life of your windshield wipers. Make sure your wipers are in good condition. You can usually tell their time has come when you start to see streaks and the wipers simply aren’t clearing the windshield like they used to.
What Type of Windshield Wipers Should I Purchase?
There several types of wiper blades. It’s important to find the right blade to meet your unique needs.
The Conventional Wiper Blade: The base model, typically the most affordable, and good for general use.
Beam Blades: A solid beam that provides uniform pressure over the entire wiper surface for better contact with the windshield. Typically a “higher-end” blade.
Hybrid Blades: A combination of conventional and beam blades.
Special Winter Blades: The special design of winter wiper blades resists snow and ice build-up in the blade. Remember, using your wipers on an icy windshield will tear up your wiper blades. It is always best to scrape your windshield before running your wipers.
Keeping these tips in mind will keep you safely on road, but should you need help, All Pro Servicenter is only a phone call away!
All Pro Contact Info:
Stop in and say hello!
113 East 1st. Street
Ankeny, Iowa 50021
Give us a call: (515) 964-0641
