Hot. Cold. Repeat. How Fall Weather Affects Your Windshield

Fall in Minnesota can bring warm, sunny afternoons followed by surprisingly cold nights and frost on the ground the next morning, all within the same 24 hours. While those temperature swings are expected during the season, they can also be tough on your auto glass, especially if your windshield already has a small chip or crack.

How Temperature Changes Affect Glass 

Glass naturally expands when it gets warm and contracts when it gets cold. Your windshield is designed to handle normal temperature changes, but damaged glass is more vulnerable to the added stress.

A small rock chip that seemed harmless all summer can become a weak point when temperatures begin fluctuating. Repeated expansion and contraction can cause that chip to spread, sometimes turning a minor repair into a crack that requires a full windshield replacement.

Be Careful With Sudden Temperature Changes

Fall weather isn’t the only culprit causing stress to your windshield. How you warm up your vehicle can also put additional stress on damaged auto glass.

On a cold morning, blasting hot air directly onto an icy or very cold windshield creates a rapid temperature change. If the glass already has a chip or crack, that sudden shift can increase the chance of the damage spreading.

Instead, allow your windshield to warm gradually and address existing chips before colder weather settles in.

Protect Your Windshield This Fall

A little attention now can help prevent bigger auto glass problems later. As you get your vehicle ready for colder weather:

• Don’t ignore small chips. Damage can spread quickly as temperatures fluctuate.
• Check your windshield wipers. Worn or damaged blades can reduce visibility and potentially scratch your glass.
• Warm your windshield gradually. Avoid extreme temperature changes whenever possible.
• Keep washer fluid filled. Good visibility becomes even more important as rain, frost, road spray and eventually snow arrive.
• Inspect your windshield regularly. Catching damage early may give you more repair options.

Get Your Auto Glass Ready Before Winter

If your windshield is already chipped or cracked, fall is a good time to take care of it before Minnesota’s colder temperatures arrive.

Apollo Glass in Buffalo, MN provides professional auto glass repair and windshield replacement, including convenient mobile service and assistance with insurance claims. For newer vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Apollo Glass also provides the calibration services needed after many windshield replacements to help ensure cameras and safety systems are properly aligned.

Don’t wait for a small chip to become a much bigger problem. Contact Apollo Glass today to schedule your auto glass service and head into winter with a clear, safe windshield.