4 Reasons Driving With A Chipped Windshield In The Winter Is Risky

Posted on: 15 November 2016

Some people do not think that a chip in a windshield is a big deal. This is one type of windshield damage that may not require an immediate fix, but you need to understand that driving with a chip in your windshield during the winter can pose specific challenges. That one little chip could potentially compromise the entire windshield during the winter. The following are a few ways it could happen. 

Precipitation

Rain and snow can get embedded in the chip. You might think that these substances would act as a faux chip filler. However, they can get embedded and freeze in the chip and cause additional damage. For example, the chip could expand as a result of the frozen precipitation and form a crack in your windshield. 

Temperature Fluctuations

Even if the outside temperature appears to be relatively stable, your vehicle will experience temperature fluctuations if it is used in the winter. This is due to heat from the engine. You might also have to use your defrost setting to thaw ice from your windshield. Even if you decide to manually remove ice from your windshield with a scraper, there is a chance that you could damage the sensitive chipped area due to the force being exerted to remove the ice. 

Windy Weather

Some areas of the country have windy winters. This can mean more than snow and raindrops flying around in the air. For example, some wind gusts are powerful enough to cause small stones to become airborne. A chipped windshield already has compromised glass, and a flying stone could make that damage worse. Other debris such as small branches can also exert force on the damaged area and make it worse. 

Driving Conditions

Some roadways are more difficult to navigate in the winter due to the presence of ice. This can make driving in these conditions more difficult. You might also not be able to easily see potholes and other paving damage. Driving in these rougher conditions can impact an already damaged windshield. For example, the chip might start to spread as a result of hitting a rough spot in the road at an accelerated speed. 

A windshield replacement company is a good resource to use to understand more reasons why driving with a chipped windshield in the winter is a horrible idea. It is possible that they can repair the chip in a timely manner, which could save you from having to replace your entire windshield. 

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preparing your car for winter driving

Is your car ready for the nasty winter weather coming? If you take the time to prepare your car for winter, you will have fewer problems when the weather is terrible. Our blog will show you what all needs to be done to your car to ensure that it is in optimum condition for driving through the snow, wind and ice. When you reach the conclusion, you will know exactly what products to buy, what services to perform and what you needs to think about before you head off to the family's house for the holidays in the dead of winter.

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