Tips To Help Keep Your Windscreen Protected This Winter
Winter is just around the corner, but while the colder months may bring beautiful snow-covered landscapes and festive cheer, for your windscreen this is not the time for celebration!
That’s because the harsh winter elements can wreak havoc on your windscreen. If you’re not careful this can result in damage and costly bills at arguably the worst time of the year.
Here we dive into the dos and don'ts of protecting your windscreen during winter, including safeguarding it against the elements and safely removing frost or snow, as well as touching on the potential consequences of neglecting its care.
Protecting Your Windscreen
During the winter months, your windscreen is under relentless attack from the harsh weather conditions. But don’t worry, as there are numerous ways to protect it, including:
Protective Covers
Investing in a windscreen cover could turn out to be a smart move. These covers can shield your windscreen from frost, snow and ice, protecting your glass and saving you time in the morning as you won’t need to de-ice your car!
Parking Strategy
Where you park can make a big difference. Whenever possible, park your car in a sheltered or covered area. Even if you don’t have a garage, parking in front of trees or buildings could help shield your windscreen from the elements.
Keep It Clean
Maintain a clean windscreen as dirty glass can exacerbate frost and make it harder to remove.
What To Do If Windscreen Frosts Over
It can be quite frustrating when you go to get in your car in the morning and your windscreen is iced over – especially if you’re running late for work!
But don’t worry as you should be able to get your windshield clear soon enough. And don’t be tempted to drive without first getting rid of all the ice as this can impede your view while driving which would be extremely dangerous.
Turn Heater On
Firstly, turn on the car’s dashboard heating system. This may take a while to get hot but after a while it should start to warm up the windscreen, making the ice easier to remove. It’ll also warm up the freezing cold car ready for when you get in, which is a nice little bonus!
If you have a newer vehicle with heated windscreens, even better! Turn these on and the glass should be clear within a few minutes. Oh and don’t forget to turn on the rear window heater too!
Use A De-Icer
Always have a good de-icer spray at hand. If your windscreen has iced over, simply spray the solution onto the glass and it should melt away.
Ice Scraper
Keep an ice scraper in your glove box. This will make removing the ice infinitely more straightforward and, coupled with a decent de-icer, you should be on the move in next to no time.
What NOT To Do
Following the simple steps above should have you on the road within a few minutes. Below are some of things you should never do as they’re likely to turn a minor inconvenience into a major issue!
Leaving Car Engine On Unattended
When the weather is particularly bad, some people make the mistake of going inside their home and leaving their car running while it warms up. This is an open invitation to opportunistic thieves who won’t think twice about jumping in and stealing your car.
What’s even worse is some insurers won’t pay out if you leave your keys in the ignition, so never leave your car unattended, regardless of how cold it is!
Hot Water
Never use hot water to remove the ice. Although this will quickly remove the ice, the sudden change in temperature can crack the glass.
Using Wipers
If the windscreen is heavily frosted, don’t use your windscreen wipers as this can damage them or put unnecessary strain on your motor.
Excessive Force
Try to be as gentle as possible while still applying enough force to remove the ice. Scraping excessively can crack or scratch your screen.
Likewise, avoid using any sharp objects such as tools or knives as this could also scratch your glass.
Protecting Yourself
Winter is a challenging time for your windscreen. With adverse weather conditions giving your windshield a battering in the colder months, as a vehicle owner it’s advisable to take extra steps to keep your car protected.
Even if you follow these steps, your glass is more susceptible to damage at this time of the year. For instance, if you have any small cracks or chips, these are likely to be exacerbated by the harsh conditions. This is why it pays to have windscreen cover, just in case.
Investing in windscreen cover ahead of the winter months is a wise decision for any vehicle owner. Not only does this protect you from unexpected repair or replacement costs, but cover for your windscreen also provides peace of mind by ensuring your vehicle’s safety remains a top priority.