Avoid Springtime Threats to Your Auto Glass

Spring is officially here in Minnesota, and while many are eager to enjoy the warmer days, it’s also a time to be mindful of your vehicle’s auto glass. After a long winter of cold temperatures, road salt, and gravel, your windshield and windows could have taken some hits without you even realizing it. And as the weather warms up, those small chips or cracks in the glass can become bigger issues.

Common Springtime Hazards

• Temperature Fluctuations: Native Minnesotans know the weather can change rapidly. Drastic swings from freezing cold to warmer temperatures put a lot of stress on your vehicle’s glass. Constant contraction and expansion of the glass can cause small chips to spread into larger cracks. If moisture gets into these cracks and freezes, it can expand and make things worse, even turning a minor issue into a major one.
• Potholes: After a long winter of freezing and thawing, the roads are often filled with potholes. You may think potholes only affect your car’s suspension, but they can also be a danger to your windshield. A sudden jolt from hitting a pothole can worsen cracks or chips that were already there, and turn a minor issue into a bigger problem.
• Flying Debris: As spring weather arrives, loose gravel, rocks, and debris can get kicked up by the vehicles in front of you. This is especially true near construction zones or when driving behind larger vehicles like semi-trucks. A small rock or piece of gravel might not seem like a big deal, but it can cause serious damage to your windshield, leaving chips and cracks that could worsen over time.
• Storms: A light rain can turn into a large storm quickly! Storms can cause high winds, causing debris to fly, or even hail. 

Tips for Protecting Your Auto Glass This Spring

While we’re happy to help repair any damage, here are a few tips to keep your auto glass in good shape and prevent new issues from popping up:

• Park in a Garage: Whenever possible, park your car in a garage to avoid snow, ice, and debris accumulating on your windshield. If you can’t park in a covered space, consider using a windshield cover.
• Use Your Defroster: We hate to say it, but it’s probably not done snowing yet! If there’s ice or snow on your windshield, let your car’s defroster do the hard work. Scraping too aggressively can damage the glass. Be patient and let the defroster loosen up the ice before gently clearing it away.
• Replace Worn-Out Wiper Blades: Old or damaged wiper blades can scrape dirt and debris across your windshield, causing scratches. Inspect your blades regularly and replace them when necessary to avoid unnecessary damage.
• Avoid Potholes: Driving around potholes can be tricky, but try to avoid them when you can. If you can’t safely avoid a pothole, slow down to reduce the impact on your windshield and suspension.
• Stay Clear of Large Vehicles: When driving behind larger vehicles, like semis or construction trucks, be mindful of flying debris. Keeping a safe distance can help reduce the risk of rocks or gravel hitting your windshield.
• Avoid Storm Damage: If you’re caught in a sudden storm producing high winds or hail, seek shelter under an overpass until it’s safe to get back on the road.

Let Apollo Fix Your Auto Glass Damage

If you’ve noticed any damage to your windshield or any of car’s windows this spring, Apollo Glass is here to take care of it. We specialize in fast and reliable windshield repairs and replacements for all vehicle makes and models, ensuring that you’re back on the road as quickly as possible.

We offer:

• • Same-Day Windshield Repair and Replacement: We know how important it is to get back on the road, so we offer same-day service to repair or replace your windshield quickly.
  • Mobile Service: Don’t have time to come to us? No worries! We’ll come to you, whether you’re at home, work, or anywhere else in the western Twin Cities metro area.
  • Free Pickup and Delivery: If you can’t make it to us, we’ll arrange a free pickup and delivery service for your convenience.
  • Courtesy Cars Available: We know car repairs can be inconvenient, so we offer courtesy cars to ensure you stay on the move while we handle the repairs.

• ADAS Calibration: Does your vehicle have the latest in safety technology? Apollo offers complete windshield replacement and recalibration of your ADAS system in a single appointment, to get you back on the road quickly and safely.

• Insurance Assistance: We make the process easier by handling all the paperwork with your insurance company. Our team ensures the billing matches your insurance provider’s requirements, so you don’t have to stress.

Contact Us Today!

Apollo Glass is your trusted auto glass repair and replacement partner in the western Twin Cities metro area. Our same-day service, mobile repair options, and expert technicians will make your car’s glass look as good as new. Call us today at 763-682-5100 to schedule an appointment, or reach out online for a free quote. Let us handle the repairs so you can focus on enjoying the beautiful Minnesota spring without worrying about your windshield!