Driving is one of the riskiest things we do every day. Even if you’re one of the safest drivers around, the sheer number of other vehicles on the road means that every time you get behind the wheel, you’ll face new conditions. With all of the major worries we have to think about while driving our cars, it can be easy to forget about the small things. That’s why we’re here to share some of the little things that can slowly wear down your windshield.
1.) Windshield Wipers
As time passes, the wiper blades on your windshield wear down and expose hard plastic that can impact your windshield. Not only can that hard plastic make marks along your windshield while the wipers are in use, but the plastic can also chip away at your windshield and wear it down. Wiper blades are a maintenance item worth spending money on and should be replaced every six months.
2.) Dirt
Dirt is impossible to avoid when behind the wheel. Too much dirt and grime can increase the impact of road debris. The reason for this is because dirt and grime cause the surface of the glass to be uneven. So, when a rock hits a clean windshield, the force of the impact evenly spreads across the glass. If the windshield is dirty, however, the chance of cracking increases due to the uneven surface.
3.) Cold Weather
A lot of us don’t have the luxury of storing our car in a garage during the winter or cold weather. When you leave your vehicle in the cold too long, it can be robbed of much needed heat. Like most things, glass contracts when exposed to cold air. So, if your windshield has a small chip or crack, exposing it to air under 30 degrees can greatly increase its likelihood of cracking.
When it comes to your windshield, always keep an eye out for the small things that could eventually add up to a larger expense. If you notice a small chip or crack in your glass, a quick windshield repair may be all you need to stop the damage from spreading in cold weather. Hindsight is 20/20, so do what you can to keep your windshield healthy for as long as possible!
