Chips in the Winter

Most people who have been driving for a few years can tell you that you’re more likely to get a chip or crack in your windshield during the winter. That’s because sudden swings in temperature, like what happens during frigid Pittsburgh winters, can take microscopic chips and turn them into long, spiderweb-like cracks that can make it difficult to see while you’re driving.

Replace in the Winter or Wait?

We have several suggestions for what to do if you have a chipped windshield. Pittsburgh-area winters often have temperatures below 20 degrees—and usually colder during the night. This can make a big impact on your vehicle’s glass.

• How large is the crack? If it’s a very small crack—such as the size of a postage stamp—then you may not have to worry about replacing your windshield quite yet. However, any crack will probably grow larger during the cold weather, and can make it difficult to drive.
• How cold is the winter? If you think you don’t have to worry about a crack or chip in your windshield because it’s almost spring, that’s not necessarily true. Many times, the temperature will fluctuate a great deal in Pittsburgh until the end of April. That means that your car’s windshield is experiencing a constant freeze-thaw cycle that can make chips much worse.
• How much moisture is in the air? If you drive often and experience a lot of snow, rain, or ice, then you should know that the moisture in the air will settle into any existing cracks and expand, freeze, and repeat. This forces cracks to become larger and ruin the structural integrity of the vehicle’s windshield.

If you’re looking for cracked windshield care repair, call Three Rivers Autoglass today. We’ll come right out to your home or your work and replace your windshield—usually in just 90 minutes or less. We’ll work with your insurance company, and we’re also happy to help car owners who would wish to file a non-insurance claim. Call us today if you see any cracks or chips in your windshield, no matter what the season is. We can replace it right away.