4 Ways To Protect Your Auto Glass This Summer And Avoid Damage
Summer is finally here, and boy is it a hot one! Something many people don’t typically think about is how the summer heat, weather, and activities around you can affect your auto glass this season. As much as we love a warm summer breeze and beautiful sunny skies, is it worth the auto glass damage and costs to repair those damages?
Many people are probably thinking that it is crazy to take preventative measures and they never associate hot weather or a ballgame with windshield damage, but, we’re here to tell you that unexpected things can happen, and we want to give you a number of ways you can protect your auto glass this summer.
Be Aware of Temperature Changes.
It’s a hot summer day and you’re getting in your car after a baseball game. Your first instinct is to get that AC going as soon as possible and of course you put it on blast. It’s hot, you’re sweating, and all you want to do is cool down. But, what most people are unware of is that drastic temperature changes inside your vehicle’s cabin can negatively affect your windshield, weakening even fully intact glass over time.
If your windshield is already suffering from cracks and damage, adding more stress to the exposed cracks can cause them to spread creating more damage to your windshield.
To avoid something like this from happening remember to gradually turn the air on from low to high after getting into your car. Our first instinct is to crank the AC as soon as we get in the car. Adjusting your habit of doing this could save you money in the long run and avoid damaging your auto glass over time.
Avoid Dry Dirt Roads
Summertime means hot and dry weather and with dry weather comes dusty roads. Dusty roads usually come with loose, blowing dirt along with sand. When traveling down gravel roads, side streets, and even near some construction areas, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and know that anything can happen, especially on a dry dusty road making it difficult to see what’s ahead.
Dust from the road can create a severe hazard to your glass. The tiny grain particles from the dirt and dust can scratch the glass, especially if you’re using your windshield wipers to remove dust that might be blocking your ability to see. The friction caused by the contact can ruin your glass and down the road, you may need a replacement.
It’s inevitable that you will find yourself driving along with a dirt or gravel road this summer. One very effective way to protect your windshield from dusty roads is to stock your washer fluid reservoir. The lubrication from the windshield wiper fluid will do wonders for you and help with the trapped particles. It is also important to clean your windshield regularly along with the wiper blades. By adding this small step to your daily agenda, you can prevent any long-term buildup of dust and debris from the road.
Be Mindful of Where You Leave Your Car Parked.
It is undeniable that more people are outside doing things during the summertime. From children playing in the parks, things being thrown around at the swimming pool, pick-up basketball games, and kids running around the neighborhood, something is bound to happen. Be mindful of where you park your car during the summertime activities going on around you. Park in the shade this season, avoid close parking from ball fields, basketball courts, and playgrounds as well. If it means having to walk an extra block, do it. Anything can happen when there is so much chaos going on during a hot summer day.
Keep Your Car Covered During Storms
Summer storms are right around the corner and you really don’t know what to expect. Hail, wind, lightening, you name it, all of these things can cause auto glass damage! So, let’s talk hail first because it is the first thing many people think of when talking about weather damage and cars. Hail-related insured losses between 2000 and 2019 averaged between $8 billion to $14 billion a year, according to Aon. With that being said, keep your car covered and do anything you can to prevent damage. If you have a garage or car port, stay home during a hail storm. If you don’t have to go anywhere, stay put. It will only benefit you.
Did you know driving in windy conditions can be just as dangerous as hail? During a storm the wind is picking up, it could be raining heavily, and thunder or lightning could be off and on. A storm has a mind of its own so being cautious is key. Stay off the roads. When winds are above 50 mph a huge threat is posed. Trees, branches, and other flying objects could be the reason your auto glass gets damaged. Hail isn’t the only villain. Anytime you take your car out in these conditions you’re putting your car at risk.
Lastly, driving in a hail storm that has high winds can increase the damage from hail. Strong winds can drive the hail across your windshield increasing the odds of it creating more damage.
Although we cannot change the things that take place when a storm occurs, nor can we control if a baseball from a ballgame comes flying at your windshield. What can be done is to take a few of these steps and utilize them in your daily life! Nothing is more frustrating than unexpected accidents occurring even if it’s something as small as a little hail damage. But, what is more, frustrating is when you know you could have potentially prevented it.