Winter windshield care: damage, ice and visibility
This winter checklist covers two separate jobs: assessing existing glass damage and keeping the windshield clear. A chip or crack should be inspected rather than assumed repairable. Check our rock-chip repair criteria before arranging an assessment; damage outside those criteria may require a different solution.
Before cold weather, check the defroster, washer system and wiper blades. Use washer fluid appropriate for the expected temperature and your vehicle. Clear ice using the method in your owner’s manual; do not use the wipers to scrape it away or pull frozen blades loose.
Our guide to choosing windshield wipers can help you plan blade replacement, while your vehicle manual controls the exact fit and procedure. If damage needs more than chip repair, review our windshield replacement service and ask about the next step before driving with impaired visibility.