Windshield replacement and repairs are more frequent during the winter season in Atlanta due to the falling temperatures and the potential for ice. Ice is a safety hazard and it is important to effectively remove it in order to avoid costly repairs. In this article, we will give you some tips for this winter and go over how to clear your windshield effectively and safely.
DEFROSTING YOUR WINDSHIELD
The recommended place to start removing ice from your windshield is by turning on the car or truck and allowing it to heat up with the defroster on. Simply set the vehicles climate control system to defrost and if your car or truck is fitted with an electrically heated windshield, turn that on also. As the motor's temperature level climbs, the defroster will help to thaw the ice.
DEICING SOLUTION
While the vehicle is running, it is also a good time to spray the windshield with a commercial deicer that contains methanol. These products can be found in most auto stores and purchased for around $20.00. Take note that these chemicals also contain pet-hazardous ethylene glycol so be certain to store them appropriately.
In the event that you do not have any on hand, don't worry! There are common household chemical products you can use to create a homemade deicer. What you will need to have is isopropyl rubbing alcohol, water, dish soap, and a spray bottle. Mix two parts alcohol, one part water, and 1/2 a teaspoon of dish soap for every two cups in the bottle. Next, spray the ice on your windshield. Whenever you are done spraying the solution, don't store it in your car because it will lose its effectiveness.
According to AAA, "The isopropyl alcohol sold in stores ranges from 50 to 90 percent purity. Higher purity provides a lower freezing point and better deicing capability and a few drops of dish soap added to the mixture will act as a surfactant to help coat the ice more evenly."
PLASTIC WINDSHIELD SCRAPPERS
Do not use a metal scrapper to get rid of ice from your windshield. Metal scrappers can break your windshield wipers and scratch the glass, leading to a high likelihood of the glass cracking. Plastic ice scrapers, windshield wipers, soft brushes and squeegees are the recommended tools for scraping.
If your car's defrost system is blowing warm air at this point and you have applied a deicing product, then simply begin scrapping away the ice. Clear it away so that you have a clear view through the whole piece of glass. You can also apply these methods to your automobiles side and rear windows.
PREVENTION
If you are aware that bad weather is approaching, the best way to deal with ice is to prevent it. An easy way to prevent ice building up on your vehicle is to cover it with a tarp, sheet, or even a large towel. Secure the cover by using the wiper blades, weights, or magnets.
Remember that if you are going to use a cover on your motor vehicle, if it is not a vehicle specific material then there is a significantly greater possibility of it scratching and harming your paint. Therefore, use this method when a small amount of snow is anticipated.
AAA suggests that if you are using a cover to protect against ice, then it should be soaked in one quart of water and one tablespoon of salt. This will help it to be easier to remove and aid in its capability to prevent ice. They also specify that you can stash the damp cover in a plastic bag in between uses.
An additional method of preventing ice from building up is to mix your own pretreatment. Just simply mix three parts white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle and spray your windshield the night before. Shortly after you spray the glass, wipe it away because leaving it on the windshield can possibly cause micro pitting.
THERMAL SHOCK AND WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT
Avoid using hot or room temperature water to remove ice from your vehicle's windshield. Pouring water on the ice causes thermal shock and results in cracked glass. Similarly, do not use a torch of any type to melt away ice.
Winter weather causes power outages, automobile crashes, and snow days. It's also the time of the year that most people in Atlanta will start hunting for their snow brush or ice scrapper from last year. If you plan on going out after a freeze, don't forget to set time aside before you leave to clear your vehicle's windshield. In the event that your vehicle's glass cracks, call us today and speak with our team at Glass Inc. to learn about windshield replacement and repairs!
#WindshieldReplacement #WindshieldRepair #DeiceWindshield #GlassInc
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