How Cold Weather Affects Your Windshield & Auto Glass in Vancouver
As winter approaches in Vancouver, drivers often worry about icy roads, low visibility, and car battery issues. However, one crucial aspect many overlook is how cold weather impacts their vehicle’s windshield and auto glass. The combination of freezing temperatures, moisture, and road debris can lead to significant auto glass damage, putting your safety at risk.
At Avenue Auto Glass, we’ve seen firsthand how cold weather affects windshields and why timely repairs are essential. Let’s explore the key ways winter impacts auto glass and what you can do to protect your vehicle.
1. Cold Temperatures Can Weaken Auto Glass
Glass naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes. In winter, sudden drops in temperature can cause your windshield to contract, making it more susceptible to cracks and chips. If your windshield already has minor damage, cold weather can make it worse, turning a small chip into a full-blown crack.
Tip:
Park your car in a garage or use a windshield cover to protect it from extreme cold.
2. Defrosting Mistakes Can Cause Cracks
Many drivers blast their defroster at high heat to quickly clear ice and fog from their windshields. However, applying intense heat to a cold windshield creates a rapid temperature shift, which can stress the glass and lead to cracks.
Tip:
Gradually warm up your windshield by using the defroster on a low setting first before increasing the temperature.
3. Ice and Snow Buildup Can Damage Your Windshield
Ice and snow accumulation add extra weight to your windshield, and improper removal methods can scratch or crack the glass. Using metal scrapers or pouring hot water on a frozen windshield can weaken the glass structure.
Tip:
Use a plastic ice scraper or a de-icer spray to safely remove ice without damaging your windshield.
4. Road Salt & Debris Can Lead to Rock Chips
Vancouver roads are often treated with salt, sand, and gravel to prevent ice buildup. However, these materials can easily get kicked up by other vehicles, leading to rock chips and windshield cracks.
Tip:
Maintain a safe distance from large trucks and vehicles on salted roads to reduce the risk of rock chip damage.
5. Moisture Can Worsen Existing Cracks
Winter air holds more moisture, and when water seeps into small windshield chips, it can freeze and expand, making the damage worse. This can quickly turn a minor rock chip into a larger, more expensive crack.
Tip:
Get rock chips repaired as soon as possible before they spread. Avenue Auto Glass offers fast and affordable rock chip repair services to prevent further damage.
Protect Your Windshield This Winter with Avenue Auto Glass
If you notice a chip or crack in your windshield, don’t wait until it gets worse. Avenue Auto Glass in Vancouver specializes in windshield repair, replacement, and ICBC Glass Express claims, ensuring your vehicle stays safe on the road all winter long.
📍 Visit us today or call to book your appointment!
☎️ +1 (604) 877 1177
