Expert tips to protect your windshield all year round

Your car’s windshield does more than let you see outside. It provides a significant amount of strength to the structural support in the vehicle’s cabin. Here are a few tips to keep it in good condition.

• Periodically wipe your windshield with a microfiber cloth. This will help keep the glass clean and prevent the wipers from spreading dirt around.

• Regularly clean your wiper blades with a soft cloth soaked in washer fluid to remove grease and dust.

• Replace your wiper blades as soon as they show signs of wear to prevent streaking.

• Maintain a safe following distance to reduce the risk of getting hit by stones.

• Warm up your car gradually. Avoid forcing hot air onto the windshield, as the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the car could weaken the glass.

• Place a cardboard or anti-icing tarp over your windshield when the forecast predicts rain or cold weather.

• Don’t use hot water to de-ice your windshield. The thermal shock can cause it to crack.

• Immediately repair chips or cracks in your windshield.

• Use a snow brush with a flexible Styrofoam edge. The bristles on traditional brushes can harbor debris that could scratch your windshield.

• Use a seasonal windshield washer fluid. For example, winter washer fluid won’t freeze and removes road salt, while summer washer fluid removes insects.

Visit a local autobody or glass repair shop to have your windshield inspected and repaired if necessary.