Texas might not get as cold as the northern states in the union in the winter months. Still, the changing temperatures of fall make this one season for car drivers to exercise caution in.
While we all know the dangers of driving on a slick road after fall's first rains, fewer drivers realize that fall is a season where their windshield is at a higher risk for damage – and it's all down to the temperature.
How Fall's Changing Temperatures Affect Your Car Windshield
The reason for this caution is all down to simple physics. While you can't see this process with the naked eye, hot air heats up glass, causing it to expand. When it gets cold, the glass contracts. A change either way in temperature can cause the glass to crack, and your car windshield is no different. It's the main reason you should never pour hot water on an icy windshield. It might be an easy shortcut on freezing days, but it can all too easily lead to an expensive windshield replacement or car window repair!
In addition to the glass, you also need to consider your car's metal, which also expands and contracts. You might not be able to control the weather – but there are some easy things you can do to prevent your car windshield from cracking this fall.
Avoid Windshield Repairs This Fall with a Basic Maintenance Routine
If there's one thing you can rely on in fall, it is dead leaves everywhere – and as anyone who has ever parked their car under a tree in fall knows, those leaves love to pile up on your car windshield!
It's important to clean off these leaves. They may seem harmless, but they can cause micro-scratches on your windshield surface, especially when combined with dirt and rainy watermarks.
Throughout fall, you should be cleaning and examining your windshield at least once a week; at the same time, you should also check your windshield wipers for damage. If you notice worn rubber with cracks, then it's time to replace them – these tiny cuts can scratch your auto glass, increasing the potential for a crack or a chip in your windshield.
If you do notice any chips or cracks in your windshield, then it's worth considering an immediate repair. The dry, hot, and dusty conditions of a Texas summer mean your car has just driven through months' worth of flying road debris.
Checking for cracks and chips throughout fall can help you to avoid a windshield replacement. With this in mind, a simple once-weekly routine could save you hundreds of dollars.
Get a Windshield Repaired or Replaced This Fall in Dallas-Collin County
Even with the best care and precautions, everything gets damaged eventually – and your car windshield is no different. You've done everything you can to prevent windshield cracks, but sometimes, you just can't avoid the inevitable chip.
Whatever the weather, FastGlass Dallas will come to you if your windshield needs affordable repairs or replacement or car window repair. With a full nationwide lifetime warranty and insurance payment accepted, we'll keep you safe on the road this fall with peace of mind.