Your windscreen goes through a lot over the course of a year. Freezing temperatures in winter, heat in summer, and everything in between. Regular care goes a long way in keeping it in good shape and avoiding unnecessary repairs.
Here’s what we recommend for each season.
Winter
We’ve all done it. Running late, standing in the cold, desperately scraping ice off the windscreen with whatever we can find. The temptation to pour hot water over it is real, but please don’t. The sudden temperature change can crack the glass. We see it more often than you’d think.
A decent de-icer spray and a proper ice scraper make life much easier. Apply the de-icer first, give it a minute to work, then scrape gently. Your windscreen will thank you.
It’s also worth switching your washer fluid to a winter formula.
If you’re expecting a cold night, try lifting your wipers off the glass before you head inside. This stops them freezing to the windscreen and potentially tearing when you switch them on the next morning.
And keep an eye out for chips. Cold weather makes small chips spread faster because the glass contracts. A tiny bit of damage can turn into a full crack surprisingly quickly. If you notice anything, it’s worth getting a windscreen repair done before it gets worse.
Summer
Summer brings its own problems. Heat causes glass to expand, which can make existing chips spread. Parking in the shade or using a sunshade helps protect your windscreen and keeps the interior cooler too.
Then there’s the bugs. They might seem harmless enough, but insect residue is acidic. Leave it sitting on your windscreen for a few days in the sun and it can actually etch into the glass. A regular clean sorts that out easily enough.
Your wiper blades take a beating in the heat as well. Rubber perishes faster in hot weather, so if they’re starting to streak or make noise, it’s probably time to replace them. You’ll notice the difference when the summer storms roll in.
Speaking of rain, a hydrophobic coating on your windscreen makes a real difference. Water beads up and runs off instead of sitting there blocking your view.
All Year Round
Some things are worth doing whatever the weather. Give your windscreen a clean on both sides regularly. The inside builds up a film over time that causes glare, especially when the sun is low.
Have a quick look at the edges and corners now and then for any new chips. Catching them early means a simple repair rather than a full windscreen replacement.
And try to keep a decent gap from the car in front. Stones flicked up by other vehicles are one of the most common causes of chips.
Need a Hand?
If you’ve got a chip or crack that needs looking at, get in touch and we’ll take care of it. We’re based in Bishop’s Stortford and cover most of Essex and