Living in Pennsylvania gives us local residents the chance to appreciate seasonal weather changes. From scorching sun to pristine snowfall, we have it all. Aren’t we lucky?
No matter how much you love a winter wonderland, it presents some unique car care challenges and extra hazards while out on the road. While a windshield cover is a common car accessory that car owners rely on to help them get through the blistering summer days, there are also a number of advantages of using one all year round.
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1. Safeguards the windshield from scratches.
Your windshield is similar in makeup to a pair of glasses that you wear when it comes to scratches. Just like a scrape on your favorite pair of sunglasses can hinder your vision, so can scratches on the windshield. At first, scratches, pits, and nicks might be hard to see and not have any discernible effect on your visibility. Over time, however, they build up and can cause distortions, glare, and other issues.
While the vehicle is stored away or parked, covering it with a protective windshield cover will help prevent glass damage from falling objects and wear from the elements. This is true all year, from falling leaves, to falling snow, to spring hail and summer downpours.
2. Helps maintain comfortable temperatures – in all seasons.
You may not expect an exterior windscreen cover to do anything to make the inside of your car more comfortable. But they actually insulate the glass. In the winter, the entire body of the vehicle heats up as you drive, as the engine warms up, and while the vents blow heat inside. But this all dissipates once it’s turned off. A windshield cover helps it maintain those warm temperatures for longer in the cold weather.
During the summer, a cover is designed to do the reverse. By reflecting the sunlight and creating more shade for the cabin, this type of product slows the rise of temperatures inside the car. Special reflective material is used to help keep the car cool even when it’s sitting in the sun.
3. Keeps the windshield is free of snow.
When you wake up on a cold, dark morning during the long Pennsylvania winters, the last thing you want to do is get the snow off your windshield. But this chore is necessary to clear the field of vision and see well enough to drive. Even if you rely on your car’s defrost function to melt the snow, this takes extra time — which is often already in short supply in the morning — and might clear only a small area of visibility. Using an exterior windshield cover, like those by Frost Guard, will cross this off your winter morning to-do list.
4. Eliminates the need to scrape ice away.
If snow has accumulated on the windshield, the white, fluffy stuff is probably hiding a layer of ice. This is because your car was still warm when parked and the first flakes to fall melted on the glass. As the vehicle cooled off to the outside temperatures, this water froze to the windshield. It creates a sheet of ice that is not only tough to scrape away, but impossible to see through. Defrost can help melt the ice, but the resulting slush will make a mess and decrease driver visibility when the wipers try to clear it away. Without a windshield cover, the glass will need to be scraped completely before you get on your way.
Watch this video to see this year’s best all-season windshield covers.
5. Prevents sun damage.
Like this inexpensive reversible windshield cover it can also be an effective tool for protecting the interior of the vehicle from UV rays. Though this may seem like it’s a concern only in the summer, damaging sunlight is present throughout all seasons.
6. Protects your hands.
Scraping the ice and snow from your car’s windshield is a thankless job. Even if you wear gloves, chances are you’ll find yourself fumbling for the snow scraper and possibly dropping it. If you don’t have gloves, or if they aren’t waterproof, then you’ll also have to contend with cold, wet hands that are uncomfortably red and sore.
7. Increases driver visibility.
In the winter, using a windshield cover is the easiest and quickest way to get on your way. Once the cover is removed, driver visibility is optimal. There is no need to wait for the snow to blow away, get cleared away by the wipers, or melt off with the help of the defroster. Winter driving is already a challenge with unsafe road conditions; this is an easy solution to eliminate unnecessary hazards and lower the potential for an accident.
Covers are helpful in the other seasons as well. They keep the windshield clean and clear, preventing the buildup of dirt, dust, leaves, resin and tree residue. In the long-term, covering the glass also extends the life of windshield wipers by making their job easier and decreasing the wear of gritty grime on the rubber.
Get some expert tips on how to Protect Car Paint During the Winter and Keep Rodents Out of Your Car.
Since 2003, Badell’s Collision has proudly served Delaware and Chester counties. Our convenient locations in Malvern and Aston make it easy to get car glass repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to get a quick quote online.
About The Author
Brandon Badel
Brandon Badel is the owner of family-owned Badell's Collision. Brandon's "customer first" approach and true commitment to going above and beyond is what distinguishes him from other local shop owners. Brandon is proud to have two locations to better serve Chester and Delaware County car owners, and looks forward to a future full of success for his team.
As an automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of car care and the challenges posed by seasonal weather changes, I can confidently affirm the importance of using a windshield cover, especially in regions like Pennsylvania that experience diverse weather conditions.
1. Safeguards the windshield from scratches: The analogy comparing the windshield to a pair of glasses aptly illustrates the vulnerability of the glass surface to scratches, pits, and nicks. Over time, these imperfections can accumulate and adversely affect visibility. The protective windshield cover serves as a barrier against falling objects, such as leaves, snow, hail, and even rain, preventing potential damage and preserving the clarity of the glass.
2. Helps maintain comfortable temperatures – in all seasons: The insulating properties of an exterior windshield cover contribute to maintaining comfortable temperatures inside the car throughout the year. During winter, it helps retain the warmth generated by the vehicle's engine and heating system. Conversely, in summer, the cover reflects sunlight, creating shade and reducing the rise in internal temperatures, enhancing overall comfort.
3. Keeps the windshield free of snow: In the midst of a Pennsylvania winter, waking up to a snow-covered windshield is a common inconvenience. The exterior windshield cover eliminates the need to manually clear snow, providing a quick and efficient solution to ensure clear visibility before hitting the road.
4. Eliminates the need to scrape ice away: Beyond snow, the cover prevents the formation of ice on the windshield, which can be challenging to scrape away and compromises visibility. By using a windshield cover, drivers avoid the hassle of dealing with frozen slush and ensure a clear view without the need for extensive scraping.
5. Prevents sun damage: While protecting against winter elements is crucial, windshield covers also play a role in safeguarding the interior from harmful UV rays. This preventative measure helps preserve the longevity of the car's interior, including the dashboard and upholstery, against sun-induced damage.
6. Protects your hands: The arduous task of manually scraping ice and snow from the windshield can take a toll on one's hands, especially in cold conditions. The windshield cover eliminates the need for direct contact with icy surfaces, providing a more comfortable and hand-friendly solution.
7. Increases driver visibility: In winter, when road conditions can be hazardous, a windshield cover offers a swift and efficient means of ensuring optimal visibility. By eliminating the need to wait for snow to clear or ice to melt, drivers can get on the road more quickly, reducing the risk of accidents.
In conclusion, the use of a windshield cover is a year-round investment in car care, offering multifaceted benefits that extend the life of the windshield, enhance driving comfort, and contribute to overall safety. Whether facing the challenges of winter or the impact of year-round elements, a quality windshield cover proves to be an indispensable accessory for vehicle owners in Pennsylvania and beyond.
