Why The Biggest Windscreen Threat Is Now Approaching

Why The Biggest Windscreen Threat Is Now Approaching

Although the astronomical definition of the seasons positions the end of summer at the autumn equinox on September 23rd, when day and night are equal, the Met Office takes a rather different approach. Now September has arrived, meteorological autumn is here.

At first, the biggest impact on your windscreen might be the accumulation of falling golden leaves and lower sun in the morning and evening, but it is also a reminder of the reality that the saying “winter is coming” is not just a line from Game of Thrones.

This means autumn is the ideal time to get your car windscreen insured, because winter is the season when it is most likely to get damaged.

Reasons for this can vary. You may find your windscreens can be damaged by the wipers sticking to them when temperatures drop below freezing, while debris on the windscreen can lead to it being cracked by using ice scrapers. Another error can be using warm water on a frozen windscreen, as the glass could flex too quickly and fracture.

There are other risks while out on the road as well. Chips and stones that fly up from under the wheels of vehicles in front can be a danger at any time of year, but in winter this can include lumps of congealed grit dropped by gritter lorries.

In addition to all that, there is the not-so-small matter of the fact that any crack occurring in winter will be more likely to expand due to the effects of freeze-thaw, as any moisture getting in will widen it. That is why any crack will need repairing swiftly to avoid the whole screen breaking.

Winter is a generally more dangerous time to drive a car and all sorts of measures can be taken to reduce the risk. But windscreens are particularly vulnerable as the weather turns cold and the conditions on the road become less favourable.