When we consider our vehicle’s maintenance, its exterior, tyres, and engines almost always take precedence; the windscreen, often overlooked unless there’s a chip, crack or full-blown shatter, tends not to receive its deserved attention. Yet it’s a vital part of your automobile, providing support to the structure of the vehicle and playing a crucial role in your safety whilst driving.
Investing your time and effort in windscreen care is incredibly important, more so when you are contending with the UK’s notorious bouts of inclement weather, particularly at this time of year, threatening to damage your windscreen. So buckle up and fix your eyes both on the road and this article (responsibly and legally, of course), as we delve into these tips and tricks of caring for your windscreen during Britain’s harsher seasons.
Importance Of Proper Maintenance
Driving with an unclean windscreen can seriously impede your visibility; water, snow, and grime can leave streaks that blur your sight. Dirt and dust accumulating on the windscreen can pit and chip the glass, and eventually lead to vision-obscuring cracks.
Indeed, in 2019 the Department for Transport reported that poor visibility due to bad weather conditions or impaired windscreens contributed to over 3,000 road accidents in Great Britain.
Regular cleaning, using a vehicle-specific glass cleaner inside and out, will not only enhance your driving safety but also allow you to identify areas of potential concern, such as chips, cracks or scratches, early.
Upgrading To A Quality Windscreen
Replacing your windscreen may seem like a begrudging financial setback, but it’s crucial to remember to focus on quality rather than frugality. High-quality windscreens, built with extra layers of protection, provide enhanced structural strength, reducing the risk of cracks or damage that could arise during severe weather conditions.
If your vehicle has a regular tempered glass, contemplate fitting it with laminated windscreens. Laminated windscreens consist of two glass layers stuck together with a shatterproof interlayer that holds the glass pieces together in the event of a break, providing an extra protection level against strong winds, hail, and other adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, windscreen covers represent an investment in the durability of your windscreen.
The Imperativeness Of Immediate Chip & Crack Repair
Chips and cracks may appear to be mere cosmetic damage, but if untreated, they can escalate into larger, yield-threatening damage due to extreme weather conditions and UK’s famously patchy roads. The frosty chill of winter can make cracks expand, shrinking during the heat of the day and progressing with the icy cool of the night.
It’s imperative, then, to check your windscreen regularly for chips and cracks, and act promptly to have any chips and cracks repaired. This is your best prevention method against mammoth repair-replacement expenses.
Some insurance policies cover windscreen chip repair without affecting your no-claims bonus; thus, always remember to check your policy.
Image of a window wiper from onlinecarparts.co.uk
Role Of Windscreen Wipers & Washer Fluid
Visibility during our persistent rainwalls can potentially transform into a nightmarish ordeal with malfunctioning windscreen wipers. These twists of rubber and metal provide an invaluable service to motorists by removing water, snow, and debris that collectively ensnare up your field of vision during inclement weather. Hence, routinely check your wipers for wear and tear. Barring any unexpected damage, you should aim to replace them every six to twelve months.
As winter approaches, don’t let the cold weather catch your washer fluid unawares. Opt for a suitable windscreen wash with an antifreeze agent that doesn’t freeze, halt or damage your vehicle’s washing system.
Gradual Temperature Regulation
Cold weather gives rise to ice and frost build-up on your windscreen. While the temptation to de-ice hastily with boiling water can be alluring, avoid doing so since the sudden extreme temperature change can lead to the expansion and contraction of the glass, and the eventuality of a cracked windscreen. Instead, either use room temperature water or a proper ice scraper or resort to a commercially available de-icer.
Windscreen Cover For Preserving Windscreen Health
Windscreen covers are efficient, fuss-free solutions to the daily struggle with frost, ice, or snow build-up on your windscreen. Strategically made from lightweight yet durable materials, windscreen covers have heat-retaining properties, which aid in simplifying the ice and frost removal process before your commute. Additionally, covers buffer your windscreen against any stray hailstones or airborne debris flung during high winds, preserving its structural integrity.
Smart Parking Tactics
Ensure safe parking. With storms or high winds, potential threats to your windscreen can come from anywhere, including falling branches, flying debris and hailstones. Select a parking spot away from large trees, posts or other potential hazards. If possible, park your vehicle in a garage, apartment car park or under a canopy or lean-to. Garages lend some warmth, preventing frost or snow from accumulating on the windscreen.
The Bottom Line
In essence, while driving in the temperamental British weather may have us feeling like we’re at the mercy of the elements, it doesn’t mean our vehicles need to bear the brunt of its wrath as well.
By implementing regular preventive care and intelligent precautions, you can ensure your windscreen remains robust and damage-free, ultimately prioritising your safety on the drives ahead. Remember, being prepared is half the battle won against the storms, the wind, the rain and the icy frosts.