AUTOMOTIVE
Is Your Windshield Winter-Ready?
Cold temperatures and road slush can obstruct your view if you haven’t prepared for the season ahead.
By Wendy Helfenbaum | Illustration by Drew Shannon
It’s time to give your windshield some attention. For most of the year, you just need to keep the washer fluid topped up, but come winter there’s more to do. Your windshield is a vital line of defence against the elements, but snow, slush, sand and salt buildup can’t be avoided. Safe travel depends on clear visibility, and taking care of your windshield can ensure a smooth journey, no matter where the season takes you.
“Before winter, you should inspect your windshield and repair any small chips or cracks,” says Yohann Leffondré, senior market manager for NAPA Auto Canada. “A small chip may seem harmless, but cold and sudden temperature changes can quickly cause it to spread into a crack. It’s best to have it repaired before winter.” From a safety perspective, even a small crack can compromise the windshield’s structural integrity and quickly spread due to cold temperatures, road vibrations or pressure on the glass. As the damage grows, it can obstruct your view of the road. In a collision, a weakened windshield may be less able to withstand impact, potentially affecting its ability to support the vehicle’s roof or help airbags deploy properly.
Your windshield is a vital line of defence against the elements.
What are the best windshield wiper blades for winter?
When choosing winter wiper blades, look for ones made of synthetic rubber with protective casings. These shield the arm from snow and ice that can clog the joints. Winter wiper blades are more flexible than all-season or summer blades, and more heavily weighted, to take on snow and ice. “A good wiper blade should remain flexible in cold temperatures and maintain consistent contact with the windshield to provide clear visibility,” explains Catherine Blanchard-Hoang, senior market manager for NAPA Auto Canada. “It’s also essential to choose the correct blade type and size for your vehicle,” she adds. Inspect your blades regularly for cracks or tears and learn how to replace windshield wipers (often as easy as snapping them off and on). Or take your vehicle into a CAA Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS™) facility to have them changed every six months, to ensure that you have a pair designed to handle winter conditions.
What is the best windshield washer fluid for cold weather?
“It’s important to use washer fluid rated for winter temperatures and keep the reservoir topped up,” says Leffondré. As the temperature drops, switch to all-season fluid. It uses a formula made for sub-zero temperatures — as low as –45°C — that will effectively clear away slush, salt and grime. Top up the fluid regularly so you don’t find yourself driving with an empty reservoir. This can be very dangerous in wet conditions, as grime spattered on the windshield can turn into an opaque film that obstructs your view. Keeping an extra jug of washer fluid in the car is always a good idea. Summer washer fluid will freeze in the winter, damaging the pump and reservoir, but you can use winter formulas year-round if you don’t want to worry about switching over.
Will ice buildup damage wiper blades?
Short answer? Generally, no. But improper removal of the buildup can damage the blades. One way to avoid the headache of wipers frozen to the windshield is to flip the arms up when parked. Some vehicles use a special service position to raise the wipers safely, so check your owner’s manual. If yours doesn’t, weigh the pros and cons. Raising the wipers can help prevent damage when freeing them from snow and ice, but it can also put stress on the arms and springs. Strong winds may also cause raised wipers to snap back against the windshield. If you leave them down, make sure the blades aren’t frozen to the glass before lifting them to clear away snow. Using the defroster to warm the windshield first can help loosen snow and ice, making the blades easier to lift. Another option is to use a windshield cover to keep ice and snow from building up in the first place. Pulling frozen wipers free can shred the rubber, while waiting for the defroster to melt the ice takes time. And turning on your wipers to break them free from the ice can damage or destroy the motor. “Wipers should never be used to forcefully clear an ice-covered windshield, as this can damage the blades and put strain on the wiper mechanism,” says Leffondré. Most importantly, never pour warm or hot water onto a frozen windshield. It may seem like a good shortcut, but this can crack or shatter the glass, especially if it already has a chip. Cold temperatures can cause a small chip to spread as moisture works its way in, which then freezes and expands the crack, reducing visibility. To avoid further damage, get chips repaired as soon as you spot them.
What do I need to do to keep the windshield clean? Do I need to clean the inside of the windshield as well as the outside?
The longer salt, sand, oil and other road contaminants stay on your windshield, the worse your visibility and the quicker your wipers will wear out. Wash your windshield with an automotive glass cleaner, and apply a water-repellent treatment that allows rain, snow and slush to slide off easily. Stick to proper washer fluid, and stay away from household cleaners such as vinegar or salt solutions. These can ruin the blades, fluid line, nozzle and reservoir. Clean the inside of your windshield, too: for optimum visibility, remove dirt and streaks using a quality glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth.
What kind of ice scraper is best?
“Look for a sturdy design with a comfortable handle and a durable blade,” says Blanchard-Hoang. “A long or extendable handle with an integrated snow brush is ideal for clearing the entire vehicle.” A well-made plastic scraper with a brush designed for auto glass ensures that you won’t damage your windshield. The telescopic handle gives you a wider reach across the windshield and the roof. Avoid metal scrapers and sharp tools, which can scratch and gouge the glass. A thorough clearing ensures that no snow or ice is left on your car — it may come loose and obstruct your view or fly off and interfere with other drivers’ visibility and safety.
It’s important to maintain a clear windshield in every season, but winter calls for more preparation. Keep the right tools and washer fluid on hand and take care of your wipers, and nothing will get in your way of a good view of the road ahead. CAA
Clear your windshield — but don’t forget the rest of your vehicle. Remove all snow and ice from bumper to bumper, including the roof, hood, trunk and sides. You don’t want snow and ice to come loose while you drive. It may obstruct your view, or fly off your vehicle and affect the safety and visibility of drivers behind you.
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It’s time to give your windshield some attention. For most of the year, you just need to keep the washer fluid topped up, but come winter there’s more to do. Your windshield is a vital line of defence against the elements, but snow, slush, sand and salt buildup can’t be avoided. Safe travel depends on clear visibility, and taking care of your windshield can ensure a smooth journey, no matter where the season takes you.
“Before winter, you should inspect your windshield and repair any small chips or cracks,” says Yohann Leffondré, senior market manager for NAPA Auto Canada. “A small chip may seem harmless, but cold and sudden temperature changes can quickly cause it to spread into a crack. It’s best to have it repaired before winter.” From a safety perspective, even a small crack can compromise the windshield’s structural integrity and quickly spread due to cold temperatures, road vibrations or pressure on the glass. As the damage grows, it can obstruct your view of the road. In a collision, a weakened windshield may be less able to withstand impact, potentially affecting its ability to support the vehicle’s roof or help airbags deploy properly.
What are the best windshield wiper blades for winter?
When choosing winter wiper blades, look for ones made of synthetic rubber with protective casings. These shield the arm from snow and ice that can clog the joints. Winter wiper blades are more flexible than all-season or summer blades, and more heavily weighted, to take on snow and ice. “A good wiper blade should remain flexible in cold temperatures and maintain consistent contact with the windshield, to provide clear visibility,” explains Catherine Blanchard-Hoang, senior market manager for NAPA Auto Canada. “It’s also essential to choose the correct blade type and size for your vehicle,” she adds. Inspect your blades regularly for cracks or tears and learn how to replace windshield wipers (often as easy as snapping them off and on). Or take your vehicle into a CAA Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS™) facility to have them changed every six months, to ensure that you have a pair designed to handle winter conditions.
What is the best windshield washer fluid for cold weather?
“It’s important to use washer fluid rated for winter temperatures and keep the reservoir topped up,” says Leffondré. As the temperature drops, switch to all-season fluid. It uses a formula made for sub-zero temperatures — as low as –45°C — that will effectively clear away slush, salt and grime. Top up the fluid regularly so you don’t find yourself driving with an empty reservoir. This can be very dangerous in wet conditions, as grime spattered on the windshield can turn into an opaque film that obstructs your view. Keeping an extra jug of washer fluid in the car is always a good idea. Summer washer fluid will freeze in the winter, damaging the pump and reservoir, but you can use winter formulas year-round if you don’t want to worry about switching over.
Will ice buildup damage wiper blades?
Short answer? Generally, no. But improper removal of the buildup can damage the blades. One way to avoid the headache of wipers frozen to the windshield is to flip the arms up when parked. Some vehicles use a special service position to raise the wipers safely, so check your owner’s manual. If yours doesn’t, weigh the pros and cons. Raising the wipers can help prevent damage when freeing them from snow and ice, but it can also put stress on the arms and springs. Strong winds may aslo cause raised wipers to snap back against the windshield. If you leave them down, make sure the blades aren’t frozen to the glass before lifting them to clear away snow. Using the defroster to warm the windshield first can help loosen snow and ice, making the blades easier to lift. Another option is to use a windshield cover to keep ice and snow from building up in the first place. Pulling frozen wipers free can shred the rubber, while waiting for the defroster to melt the ice takes time. And turning on your wipers to break them free from the ice can damage or destroy the motor. “Wipers should never be used to forcefully clear an ice-covered windshield, as this can damage the blades and put strain on the wiper mechanism,” says Leffondré. Most importantly, never pour warm or hot water onto a frozen windshield. It may seem like a good shortcut, but this can crack or shatter the glass, especially if it already has a chip. Cold temperatures can cause a small chip to spread as moisture works its way in, which then freezes and expands the crack, reducing visibility. To avoid further damage, get chips repaired as soon as you spot them.
What do I need to do to keep the windshield clean? Do I need to clean the inside of the windshield as well as the outside?
The longer salt, sand, oil and other road contaminants stay on your windshield, the worse your visibility and the quicker your wipers will wear out. Wash your windshield with an automotive glass cleaner, and apply a water-repellent treatment that allows rain, snow and slush to slide off easily. Stick to proper washer fluid, and stay away from household cleaners such as vinegar or salt solutions. These can ruin the blades, fluid line, nozzle and reservoir. Clean the inside of your windshield, too: for optimum visibility, remove dirt and streaks using a quality glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth.
What kind of ice scraper is best?
“Look for a sturdy design with a comfortable handle and a durable blade,” says Blanchard-Hoang. “A long or extendable handle with an integrated snow brush is ideal for clearing the entire vehicle.” A well-made plastic scraper with a brush designed for auto glass ensures that you won’t damage your windshield. The telescopic handle gives you a wider reach across the windshield and the roof. Avoid metal scrapers and sharp tools, which can scratch and gouge the glass. A thorough clearing ensures that no snow or ice is left on your car — it may come loose and obstruct your view or fly off and interfere with other drivers’ visibility and safety.
It’s important to maintain a clear windshield in every season, but winter calls for more preparation. Keep the right tools and washer fluid on hand and take care of your wipers, and nothing will get in your way of a good view of the road ahead. CAA
Clear your windshield — but don’t forget the rest of your vehicle. Remove all snow and ice from bumper to bumper, including the roof, hood, trunk and sides. You don’t want snow and ice to come loose while you drive. It may obstruct your view, or fly off your vehicle and affect the safety and visibility of drivers behind you.