There’s a lot to love about the crisp temperatures and colorful leaves of fall. However, these changes can potentially damage your auto glass. Constant temperature shifts cause the material to expand and contract, which can lead to cracking if there’s already a small chip present. Additionally, leaves and debris may scratch the glass so that it becomes hazy or damaged. Here are a few simple ways to protect your windshield throughout the season. 

How to Protect Your Auto Glass During Fall

1. Park in Your Garage

Parking indoors protects your vehicle from most extreme temperature shifts and falling leaves. If you don’t have enough space to park in a garage at home, avoid leaving your vehicle directly under trees. When visiting other destinations, look for parking garages or covered areas. You should also avoid blasting the heat as soon as you get into your car. Instead, let the car run some first to ease the transition.

2. Remove Leaves 

Even if you mainly park indoors, a few leaves and nuts are bound to hit your windshield throughout the season. Gently brush them off when you park to prevent them from scratching your windshield, and remember to check under your windshield wipers since leaves often get stuck between the blades and auto glass. Additionally, wash your windshield regularly to remove dirt since sticky debris can make it easier for leaves to get stuck on the glass. 

3. Maintain Steady Speeds

Leaves are more likely to blow onto your windshield as you drive if your vehicle makes lots of sudden movements. Flooring the accelerator and braking suddenly can kick up leaves from the ground and may even move the air enough to knock some down from nearby streets. Gravel kicked up by other cars is also more likely to collide with your auto glass with force if you are going fast. Instead, accelerate gradually and leave enough space between you and other vehicles so you can stop slowly. 

If you need auto glass repair this fall, contact Expert Auto Glass in Riverton, UT. The team provides mobile windshield repair and replacement throughout the Salt Lake County area, coming to customers’ locations at no extra cost. They work with all makes and models and use quality materials to ensure repairs hold up. Visit the website for a full list of services, or call (801) 569-2666 to request an appointment.