Summer is a season most of people enjoy holidays. Most of the people plan road trips, long drives, and weekend outings. But this enjoyment can disappear, due to extreme heat and strong sunlight. Yes, your car and its windshield faces lots of damage in summer.
First of all you must get this thing clear that your car’s windshield is not just a piece of glass. This protects you from dust, wind, and debris, and also keep the car’s structure strong. So, taking care of windshield in summer is very important.
During hot weather a small mistake can damage windshield. A small crack or chip can become long crack or sometimes your glass can completely break or need to replace.
Is this making you worry or increasing you stress about your car. Well, need not to worry more about it. Here are simple tips that can easily protect your windshield and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Why Summer Can Damage Car’s Windshield?
Before knowing the solution, you must know the cause or what is real problem. Well, during summer when your car stays in sun or remain park in strong sunshine can causes windshield damage. The simple science behind glasses is that they expands when it is hot and shrinks when it cools.
And if this happens too quickly, it creates pressure on the windshield. In summer, this small cracks can spread faster, glass can become weak, or can face other damage on windshield. So, this clears that you need extra care of your car and specially your cars windshield in summer. Check out easy tips you can follow in your daily routine.
Park in Shade
Well, the very first thing to do is parking car in shade. This is the easiest ways to protect your windshield in summer. This must clear to you that direct sunlight makes the glass very hot which can lead to cracks over time. So, keeping your car in cooler place reduces heat stress on the windshield. Now onwards park your car at following places –
- Under a tree.
- Inside a garage.
- In covered parking.
Keeping Windows Little Open
When come to most simple solution to keep your windshield safe, then opening your window a little is best. Suppose if you do not get parking space in shade or have to wait in hot sun, then keeping your window little open can help to main temperature inside car. Yes, just keep the door windows a little open while parking in hot sun or in summer.
Use a Sunshade
Another better option is Sunshade. Yes the car sunshade helps block sunlight from entering your car and keeps the temperature lower inside. This protects your windshield from getting too hot and makes your car more comfortable when you get in. Sunshade helps in following ways –
- Keeps the car interior cool.
- Protects the windshield from heat.
- Makes sitting inside more comfortable.
Do Not Cool the Car Too Fast
After parking car in hot summer outside, the car get very hot and as soon as you get inside you feel the heat. And your first reaction to it is turning the AC at full speed. Well, this is the worst mistake you are making. Increasing AC at at full speed in a very hot car can damage the windshield due to sudden temperature change. So, let the car cool down, so the glass can adjust. One can follow this –
- Open the doors for a minute.
- Let hot air go out.
- Start the AC slowly.
Avoid Pouring Cold Water on Hot Glass
This is the similar issue like above, yes just like AC at full speed in hot car damage glass, the pouring cold water on a hot windshield also cause same issue. But there is little difference as soon as the cold water come in contact with hot glass there is sudden temperature change which directly cause expansion or crack on windshield. Follow the points below to avoid –
- Let the car cool down first
- Wash your car later in the day
Fix Small Chips Quickly
Small Chips or little lines on windshield glass which are already there due to any reason can become a big problem in summer. Well, in strong summer heat, these Small chips or cracks can spread very fast or sometimes they can cause complete damage. So, fixing them early can save you from bigger damage and high repair costs later.
Close Doors Gently
This is not that big issue and even lot of drivers does not even take it as problem. But guess what it is. Yes, just by closing the doors smoothly or calmly can help in getting rid from windshield damage. The slamming or banging car doors creates vibrations which can spread the small cracks in the windshield. So, closing doors softly helps prevent this problem.
Drive Carefully on Rough Roads
It’s time for a advice not a tip. Driving carefully reduces the risk. The loose stones and rough roads can cause chips in your windshield, especially in summer when road work is common. Do following things –
- Drive slowly on rough roads.
- Keep distance from trucks.
Replace Old Wipers
Well, this is not a summer problem but it causes damage to windshield or main glasses which is the reason we are motioning it. The old or worn out wipers can scratch your windshield and reduce visibility. Keeping them in good condition helps protect the glass.
Consider Heat Protection Film
This is also not that important, but keeping this can help. Well, the heat protection films reduce the temperature inside your car and protect your windshield from too much heat. This is a good option for extra safety.
Keep the Windshield Clean
Again this is not that big problem. Dust and dirt can slowly damage your windshield if not clean properly. Regular cleaning keeps the glass clear and safe. So, use a soft cloth or proper glass cleaner to clean windshield.
Keep Your Windshield Safe This Summer
Taking care of your windshield in summer is easy if you follow these above simple habits. Avoid too much heat, don’t make sudden temperature changes, and fix small damage quickly. These small steps can prevent big problems. A little care every day will keep your windshield clear, strong, and safe for all your summer drives.