Welcome to my blog. When I was a teen, I started dabbling with coloured glass and stained glass art. Later, I helped work on a number of houses, and my partner and I often changed the windows in those houses. Through that experience, I learned a lot about maintaining, protecting and repairing glass. Currently, I am not working on any projects, so I decided to create a blog full of the information I have learned about glass over the years. Whether you are an artist, a glass installer, a homeowner thinking about new windows or anyone else with a question or concern about glass, this blog is designed for you.
Looking after your windscreen properly can save you money, and even prevent a serious accident. Weather extremes provide particular problems. Firstly, you should regularly check your windscreen for chips and cracks. A quick trip to a windscreen repair expert could save you a lot of money on repairs rather than replacement. Follow these tips for looking after your windscreen, especially when dealing with the effects of weather.
Rainy Weather
Windscreen wipers are indispensable in rainy weather for clear visibility and safe driving. Make sure your wipers are in good condition and the rubber is securely attached. Metal blades brushing against the glass can cause scratches and affect visibility. Dirty wiper blades can also damage your windscreen, as accumulated dirt and even small stones become embedded, so make sure to keep your blades pristine as well.
Fog and Ice
Fog and ice pose particular challenges. When starting your car on a cold morning and staring ahead at your foggy windscreen, your first impulse might be to turn on the heater. However, according to Dr Caecilia Ewenz, who lectures in in meteorology and environmental science at Adelaide's Flinders University, you would be better served by turning on your air conditioner, even though this may seem counter-intuitive. The reason is that fog is caused by moisture condensing on the glass. Turning on your heater adds more humidity to the air, while the air conditioner will dry the air and clear the fog faster.
To remove frost from outside your windscreen use cold water rather than hot water. Hot water can expand any existing cracks, and can, at worst, shatter the windshield. Use plastic scrapers or spatulas, rather than metal ones, even an old credit card will do the job, to avoid scratching the glass. Commercial de-icers are also available.
Hot Weather
Warmer weather also has its challenges. You might find yourself having to clear the windscreen more frequently from bugs and insects; soak a cloth in water and rub gently to remove bugs. Hot weather can encourage existing chips to crack, so checking for even minor chips is particularly important.
Visibility when driving is vital. Following these tips is sure to make your journeys safer and more enjoyable, and could save you money down the track. For more tips or assistance on repairs or replacement, consult with local windscreen repair centers such as Australian Specialised Machinery Glass before allowing the damages get any worse.
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