Winter’s Here: 7 Habits That Save Your Windshield (and Wipers)

Winter in Washington brings freezing rain, ice, temperature swings, chemical de-icers, and road debris—all of which can do real damage to your windshield and wipers. The good news? A few simple driving habits can save you money, protect your glass, and improve visibility during every commute.

Below are 7 essential winter windshield habits every Clark County driver should know.

1. Gentle Ice Removal

Avoid scraping aggressively. It weakens and scratches your glass.

Better methods:

• Use a plastic ice scraper

• Spray liquid de-icer

• Warm the windshield gradually with the defroster

Important: Never pour hot water on frozen glass. The rapid temperature change can cause cracks.

2. Use Proper Winter Washer Fluid

Standard washer fluid can freeze, clogging the nozzles and smearing across your windshield.

Switch to a winter-rated, freeze-resistant fluid to:

• Melt frost while driving

• Prevent streaking

• Protect the wiper motor

This is one of the easiest upgrades for better winter visibility.

3. Wiper Care Matters

Cold temperatures stiffen rubber and make wipers stick to the glass.

Before activating wipers:

• Lift them gently

• Ensure they are not frozen down

• Warm the glass first if needed

Torn or streaking wipers? Winter is the best time for replacement.

4. Avoid Thermal Shock

Windshields don’t like sudden temperature changes. Heating frozen glass too quickly can cause cracks—especially if there’s a chip hiding underneath.

Warm your windshield safely:

• Start the defroster on low

• Increase heat gradually

• Clear heavy snow before turning on heat

Slow warming = longer windshield life.

5. Park Strategically

Smart winter parking helps prevent ice buildup and surprise windshield damage.

Try these habits:

• Park facing east so the sunrise helps thaw your windshield

• Avoid parking under trees where branches or ice could fall

• Use covered parking whenever possible

Small choices save time (and glass).

6. Fix Chips Before Freezing Weather

If water gets into a rock chip and freezes, it expands and can turn a small chip into a full-length crack overnight.

Don’t wait—repair chips before the temperature drops.

At Hampton Auto Glass:We’re the Home of the $50 Rock Chip, making fast repairs affordable and winter-safe.

7. Clean Off Road Salt & Chemical De-Icer Residue

Clark County uses more than salt to treat winter roads. Crews also apply chemical de-icers such as:

• Magnesium chloride

• Sodium chloride brine

• Anti-icing chemical blends

These chemicals leave a sticky film on your windshield that:

• Smears easily

• Reduces visibility

• Increases nighttime glare

• Wears down wiper blades

• Can scratch glass if left uncleaned

Routine winter cleaning tips:

✔ Wash your windshield often

✔ Wipe your wiper blades clean

✔ Use winter washer fluid generously

✔ Rinse your car after storms

Bonus Protection: Hydro Guard by GlasWeld (Installed Here!)

For drivers who want maximum winter visibility, Hampton Auto Glass proudly installs Hydro Guard by GlasWeld—a professional-grade hydrophobic windshield treatment.

Why this matters:

Hydro Guard helps your windshield:

• Repel rain, snow, and slush

• Resist chemical de-icer buildup

• Stay cleaner longer

• Improve nighttime visibility

• Reduce wiper strain

And here’s the best part:

GlasWeld is a Pacific Northwest company, proudly based in our region.

If you want clearer visibility and better protection all winter long, Hydro Guard is one of the smartest upgrades for your windshield.

A healthy windshield and well-maintained wipers make all the difference when navigating Washington’s winter roads. These simple habits protect your glass, improve safety, and reduce costly repairs.

👉 Stop by Hampton Auto Glass for a FREE winter glass check, $50 rock chip repair, and ask about Hydro Guard installation.

Stay safe. Stay clear. Drive with confidence this winter.