Windscreen damage can be caused by many unforeseen circumstances, including exposure to environmental factors such as extreme heat or cold. Over the past years, Western Australia has experienced an increase in heatwaves and more intense rainfall events. This means your vehicle’s windscreen is probably under more stress than ever before! This could potentially result in more windscreen chips occurring and spreading, compromising visibility and increasing accident risks. 

It is therefore crucial to understand how the changing climate can directly impact our windscreens and the overall health of a vehicle. More importantly, it highlights why proactive windscreen maintenance is essential for everyone on the roads. 

Potential Issues in Summer

Constant exposure to extreme heat can directly compromise your vehicle’s windscreen. When your car is parked under direct sunlight, the windscreen heats up and the glass expands, a process known as thermal expansion. Many people instinctively turn on the air conditioner to combat the heat. However, the immediate introduction of cold air can cause sudden contractions and create stress on the glass. If your vehicle has an existing chip, it can propagate into larger cracks that impact your visibility. Prolonged exposure to UV also compromises your windscreen by weakening the lamination, making it more susceptible to chips and cracks. 

Potential Issues in Winter

In cooler temperatures, glass on a vehicle’s windscreen contracts, causing stress on the panel. If there are existing cracks or chips in your windscreen, it becomes vulnerable to moisture seeping in and freezing between the cracks. The trapped ice will eventually expand, pushing the surrounding glass and creating a larger irreversible crack. 

With more rainy days during the winter season, it is also important to ensure your wiper blades are of good quality and well-maintained. Instead of clearing water, worn-out wiper blades cause streaking and smearing, significantly reducing visibility and making driving dangerous. Increased humidity from the rain also causes fogging, and can be worsened if your windscreen is dirty. A clean windscreen solves this issue as the lack of residue and grime offers fewer surfaces for moisture to cling to, improving visibility. 

Protecting Your Windscreen 

Issues caused by weather conditions are challenging to prevent, but not impossible. Take these precautions to save yourself windscreen repair costs: 

• Shade Parking: Avoid parking under direct sunlight during hot days. 
• Addressing Damage Early: Prompt windscreen repair is important to maintain your vehicle’s structure and prevent further damage
• Check Wiper Blades Regularly: Checking and ensuring your wiper blades are in good condition reduces scratches and dangers in rainy conditions.
• Cleaning Your Windscreen Regularly: Cleaning your windscreen regularly helps with visibility issues and identifying small cracks or chips early on. 

At Joondalup Windscreens, we offer a wide range of windscreen services as well as Mobile Windscreen Repairs that come to you. Whether you’re looking to replace a windscreen or fix a windscreen chip, our expert technicians will ensure you receive the best service and price. Don’t risk your time and money on a DIY windscreen repair kit and book in with one of our professionals today.