Preparing For the Worst

Making the transition from mild fall weather to a potentially brutal winter season is never easy, especially if your job requires a daily driving commute. One of the most important precautions you should take before venturing out onto the cold, slippery streets is making sure you can see clearly through your windshield and side glass. Given the fact that in recent years the Dallas area has experienced at least one bad ice/snow storm per season, knowing how to prepare for these weather events takes on added significance.

 

 

Advice and Precautions

The following list of tips will give you some specific pointers on how to lessen the time-consuming hassle that clearing your car's windshield and side glass of frost, snow, or ice build-up invariably presents, as well as offering timely advice on how to avoid possible damage to your Auto Glass:

1. Be extra careful to keep a safe distance from the car ahead of you after a snow/ice storm. Not all drivers remove the snow and ice from their cars before taking off, and if a large chunk of frozen debris flies off their vehicle, it could hit and crack your windshield.

2. Make sure all your vehicle's glass is clean, as moisture clings to dirt, and makes for the perfect surface for frost/ice to form. While cleaning the windshield, it's a good idea to use some full-strength rubbing alcohol on the wipers to keep them from sticking to the glass. Don't forget to check your windshield washer fluid level, so you can keep from being blinded by the "road slop" spray kicked up by big trucks. 

3. Don't turn the defroster on until the engine has been on for a few minutes. Otherwise, the cold air being blown on the windshield will make the frost/ice even more difficult to remove. Once the car starts to heat up, it's best to then turn the defroster to the highest setting to help with the scraping task to come.

4. Keep the inside air control setting at "fresh outside air", or it's equivalent. This will prevent the re-circulation of moisture-laden air in the car, which can result in the frustrating problem of fogged-up inside windows. You can reduce this moist air considerably by stowing wet gloves, boots, etc. in a plastic tote, or the trunk of your car.

5. Always use a quality ice scraper with a durable edge, and never anything metal, like a shovel. Don't be tempted to pour boiling water on any frozen surface to hasten the melting process - this could easily crack the glass!

6. All chips and cracks should be attended to immediately before they spread and wind up costing big bucks to repair. This is especially important in the cold of winter, as the windshield tends to expand and contract due to being subjected to a wide temperature variance.

Ready to Roll

Driving during or after a nasty winter snow/ice storm doesn't necessarily have to be a traumatic event if you are properly prepared. Even if your Auto Glass happens to get damaged and needs repair, you can count on ABC Glass Services of Dallas to quickly get you back rolling down the road. They offer lifetime warranties on all their work, coupon repair specials, and same-day service as well!