Now that winter is officially here, drivers must prepare for a long season of icy roads and snowy weather. These frigid conditions can bring trouble no matter how far you’re traveling, so it’s important to ensure that your vehicle and windshield are ready for winter roads. Allstate Auto Glass prepared a helpful list of tips on how to keep you driving safely all season long.

Removing ice and snow from your vehicle’s front and back windshield is essential before you hit the road this winter. Not only is it important to completely clear the hood and roof using a long-handled brush, but many states also enforce this by law because ice blocks can form and blow off onto the cars behind you, causing damage and even breaking windshields. It’s important to note that you should not use hot water to melt ice on your windshield, as this can spread cracks. Instead, warm up your car before driving and use the warm air blowers and defroster to heat the front and back windshields slowly. To make cleaning off your windshield easier, put a snow cover on your car’s windshield when expecting a big storm.

One of the best ways to keep your windshield safe is to stay on well-maintained roads this winter. Depending on where you live, some roads may not be fully paved, and once snow or ice arrives, materials like salt, sand, and recycled asphalt are laid down to create more traction. Yet, while this method is supposed to help cars navigate slick conditions, in some cases, these materials can be kicked up and hit windshields resulting in cracks or chips. If you are on a rural road with loose debris, drive extra slowly to avoid any issues.

And don’t forget to refill your windshield wiper fluid with fluid that won’t freeze below 32 degrees. Check if your windshield wipers leave streaks; if so, replace them as needed. You’ll need them more than ever this winter to remove the salt residue that will kick up from the treated roads.

Windshields are essential in keeping you and your vehicle safe all year. Cracks and chips left unrepaired can lead to dangerous safety hazards, so keeping an eye on your auto glass is critical. Thankfully, a small chip not directly in the driver’s line of vision can be repaired for a fraction of the replacement cost. The windshield repair process for minor chips or cracks takes about 30 minutes. Most insurance companies will waive the comprehensive deductible, so your windshield repair could cost you little to nothing. However, if the windshield damage is more severe than a minor chip or crack, or if the crack is in the driver’s line of vision, your windshield will most likely require a total replacement.

If you have a chip or crack in your windshield, click here to schedule your appointment. You can always count on Allstate Auto Glass to make it ALL OK!