Climate changes can hurt your car in ways that are difficult to detect. Most drivers are concerned about tires, batteries, and fluids. But the glass on your car is just as susceptible to weather damage. 

In places like Indianapolis, the temperatures and other weather conditions can affect your auto glass. You should monitor that to prevent costly repairs and safety issues.

Below are a few practical seasonal maintenance tips.

Check your windshield at the beginning of each season

Every season presents new environmental stressors to your car. Always spend some minutes checking your windshield and windows. This may assist you in identifying small issues before they expand.

Look closely for:

• Small chips or cracks
• Pitting caused by road debris
• Seal damage at window edges
• Scratches that may affect visibility.

Many drivers put off repairs because the damage looks minor. But seasonal changes tend to exacerbate the situation. Even tiny chips can grow rapidly due to temperature variations. So it’s best to address the damage when you see it. 

Take care of temperature swings

One of the most prominent causes of windshield cracks is rapid changes in temperature. Glass expands naturally when in hot conditions, and contracts when in cold conditions. When such a change occurs rapidly, the pressure is accumulated in the glass structure.

You can reduce this risk by:

• Do not blast hot air on an icy windshield
• Warm your car slowly up in winter
• Park in shady spots in summer
• Use sunshades to minimize the heat in the interior.

In case your windshield already has a minor crack, seek Auto Glass Repair Indianapolis as soon as possible. The extreme temperature shifts can make it develop over the whole surface of the glass within a short time.

Use safe methods for ice and snow removal

Maintenance in winter is very important to protect your auto glass. Avoid using harsh methods for snow and ice removal. They can result in:

• Scratches
• Chips 
• Structural damages.

Follow these best practices:

• Do not use metallic tools to remove ice. Instead, use a plastic ice scraper.
• Do not pour hot water on frozen glass.
• Take off the snow slowly. Do not push it hard.
• Brush off the snow on the roof. This is necessary so that it does not slide over the windshield when driving.

Always clear ice gradually. This will prevent abrupt stress on the glass. 

Replace worn-out windshield wipers regularly

Worn-out or broken sweepers may drag debris on the windshield. This causes scratches that eventually break the glass.

You should:

• Check wiper blades every few months.
• Change blades when they leave streaks or become noisy.
• Clean the wipers to eliminate dirt and debris.

Seasonal weather (snow and summer heat) may rapidly wear out rubber blades. You should keep them in good condition to maintain visibility. This will also prevent unwanted wear on your windshield.

Stay alert to road debris during seasonal changes

Seasonal transitions can cause the accumulation of road debris. It could be brought by loose gravel from construction projects. These substances are among the most frequent causes of windshield chips.

You can lower your risk by:

• Keeping a safe following distance.
• Avoiding tailgating behind the large trucks.
• Slowing down on construction roads or gravel.
• Being vigilant about post-storm debris.

In case debris hits your windshield and leaves noticeable damage, it is advisable to take care of the problem as soon as possible. Repair small chips before they develop into larger cracks.

Maintain your car clean all year round

Glass can be undermined by the accumulation of:

• Dirt
• Salt
• Debris. 

Winter road salt is particularly dangerous. It can damage window seals and cause corrosion along the borders of the glass.

Regular cleaning helps to:

• Eliminate rough particles that may scratch glass.
• Prevent salt damage in winter.
• Ensure visibility in rain or snow.

Always wipe the surface with automotive glass cleaners and soft microfiber cloths. This will prevent scratching.

Park at strategic locations when possible

Your parking location can significantly affect the service life of auto glass. Risks of damage may be enhanced by exposure to:

• Direct sunlight
• Falling debris
• Harsh weather conditions.

Consider parking:

• In a garage, where possible.
• Covered parking buildings.
• Out of the woods during storms.
• In shaded places in hot weather.

Strategic parking eliminates temperature stress. It also reduces the risk of environmental impact damage.

Fix minor damages on the spot

Small chips make many drivers delay repairs. They may not seem dangerous. But seasonal changes in temperature and vibrations during the daily driving exacerbate the situation. They can quickly transform small damages into significant cracks.

Repairing chips early can:

• Re-establish windshield strength.
• Maintain driver visibility.
• Reduce repair costs.
• Prevent glass replacement.

Being proactive will save you more money.

Final thoughts

Auto glass damage usually takes time to develop. But seasonal weather changes can hasten the process. Inspect your windshield on a regular basis, have effective temperature management, and use safe driving habits. This will greatly reduce the possibility of severe damage.