Winter, Wind Chills and Windshields;Tips and Tricks to Protect Your Auto Glass in Cold Weather
MINNEAPOLIS--Jan. 3, 2003--Snow, ice and bitter cold are tough on your car and rough on your windshield.Now that cold winter weather has officially arrived again, Harmon AutoGlass, a national leader in auto glass repair and replacement, offers tips and tricks for protecting your windshield this winter. Proper windshield maintenance and installation help keep you safe in case of an accident, because windshields support the safety system of an automobile, including the airbags.
| -- | Stay alert. As snowplows clear snow and apply sand and salt to slick roads, Harmon encourages drivers to be alert as small rocks and salt pebbles may be kicked up by motorists and hit your windshield. Watch for small divots and cracks, and repair them before they become more serious. |
| -- | Watch the hot water. Don't get into hot water by using hot water on your windshield. Resist the urge to clear ice from your windshield by using hot or boiling water. Auto glass is not able to withstand those sudden temperature shifts and may be prone to cracking. Instead, give your car extra time to warm up during the cold winter months. |
| -- | Pay attention to dropping temperatures. In winter, the temperature shift as your car heats up and cools down causes auto glass to expand and contract. As a result, the rate at which small cracks grow is faster during colder weather. Harmon recommends that drivers repair cracked or damaged windshields promptly to avoid larger problems during the long winter months. |
| -- | Metal is hazardous to your windshield's health. As tempting as it may be, keys, coins and other metallic objects were not meant to clear windshields. Using these tools may actually damage your windshield by leaving deep scratches that cannot be buffed out. Harmon recommends removing snow and ice using plastic, glass-friendly scrapers. |
| -- | Completely clear all windows. The need for clear road view is never more critical than in the winter when roads are slick and the ground is white. For safety's sake, Harmon reminds all drivers to take extra time to clear all snow and ice from every car window before driving your vehicle. |
On behalf of our more than 1,100 employees nationwide, Harmon AutoGlass wishes all drivers happy holidays and a safe and Happy New Year.
