How Cold Weather Affects Auto Glass and What You Can Do

How Cold Weather Affects Auto Glass and What You Can Do

The Impact of Low Temperatures on Auto Glass in Miami, FL

If you don’t live in an area that frequently experiences cold weather, you might not be aware of how it can damage your auto glass. Unfortunately, cold weather auto glass damage is a routine part of living in an area that experiences snow, ice, hail, and freezing temperatures. At USA Auto Glass Florida, we have a team of experienced auto glass technicians who specialize in weather-related auto glass repair and replacement. We can help you navigate the insurance claim process and find the safest and fastest solution to your auto glass damage. Keep reading to learn more about the impact of low temperatures on auto glass in Miami, Palm Beach, and southwest Florida, and then call us to schedule an appointment.

Freezing Temperatures and Windshield Cracks

A big part of protecting your vehicle from damage is understanding winter’s effects on car windows. If you already have a small chip or crack on your windshield, temperatures below freezing can cause the crack to increase in size. The more a crack spreads, the harder and more expensive it is to repair and the more likely you will need windshield replacement. Glass contracts in lower temperatures, and then when the temperatures rise again, the glass expands. When this happens repeatedly, a crack can eventually become so large that your windshield splits.

How Ice and Snow Affect Auto Glass

Ice, snow, and other winter weather conditions can also negatively affect your auto glass. If you already have a crack or chip, using your vehicle’s auto defroster can make it worse. The sudden temperature change caused by the defroster can make your windshield heat up too fast, causing the glass to expand too quickly and the crack or chip to grow larger. Pouring warm or hot water on your windshield to melt ice, frost, and snow will have the same effect. The weight of snow can also put added pressure on your windshield or sunroof and cause existing cracks and chips to get worse or cause new ones to form.

Winter Moisture and Auto Glass

Winter moisture can have a more significant negative effect on auto glass than spring or summer moisture. Winter moisture can affect the quality of auto glass repairs or windshield replacement services. You might think your windshield or auto glass is repaired, but the adhesive resin cannot properly cure cold, wet air. Moisture can also become trapped between the windshield or car window and the frame. Then, it will freeze and expand as the weather gets colder, which will loosen the auto glass over time and cause more problems. We recommend visiting an experienced auto glass repair technician who knows how to properly repair glass in cold weather.

Auto Glass Curing Time In Cold Weather

If you are getting auto glass repair or a windshield replacement during the winter, you should only trust an experienced auto glass company. Windshield resin and adhesive take longer to cure properly in cold weather. An experienced auto glass technician can reduce the curing time by completing in-shop repair or replacement services in a temperature-controlled environment.

Preventing Cold Weather Damage to Auto Glass

You can save time and money and avoid stress by protecting auto glass in winter conditions and minimizing frost damage to car windows. Here are our tips for preventing cold weather damage to auto glass:

  • Maintain the performance of your windshield wipers and replace them if you notice signs of damage or if they don’t seem to be working properly.
  • Don’t use hot water to remove snow, ice, or frost on your vehicle.
  • Be careful when using your vehicle’s auto-defrost system.
  • If there is a risk of snow, hail, or winter weather, park your vehicle in a garage or under covered parking. If you can’t use covered parking, use a vehicle cover.
  • Get auto glass damage repaired right away to prevent it from getting worse.
  • Use a windshield cover or protector when your vehicle is parked.
  • Use a quality ice scraper designed to be used on vehicle windshields.

Why Choose USA Auto Glass Florida

At USA Auto Glass Florida, we are proud to be our community’s go-to company for auto glass repair and replacement. In our 20 years in the industry, we have earned a reputation as an honest, affordable, and efficient auto glass repair company. Our auto glass repair technicians have years of experience and are committed to quality workmanship, quality materials, and exceptional customer service. Whether you need auto glass repair, windshield replacement, or winter windshield maintenance, we are standing by, ready to help. We specialize in car window repair and replacement, windshield repair and replacement, windshield leak repair, mobile service, rear window replacement, sunroof replacement, power window repair services, and more.

Request an Estimate for Windshield Repair or Replacement

If you have a crack, chip, or other windshield damage, our team at USA Auto Glass Florida can help. We offer routine and emergency appointments for auto glass and windshield repair and replacement. Our experienced auto glass repair technicians can quickly assess the damage, work with your insurance company, and find a safe, effective solution. Our goal is to get you back on the road again as soon as possible in a safe vehicle. We can also offer cold weather windshield care tips and advice on maintaining your auto glass. Call us today or contact us online to request an estimate for windshield repair or replacement in Miami, Palm Beach, or southwest Florida.