During the winter, most drivers have to deal with freezing temperatures and snowy conditions. While this is a common obstacle, it can also lead to plenty of problems, spanning everything from extra vehicle maintenance to a copious amount of time spent cleaning and treating cars. 

Cracked windshields are among the most prevalent winter-related problems. There are times when these breaks may be caused by small stones or pebbles getting kicked up to the glass, but in many instances a quick temperature change may also lead to damage. Suddenly going from a freezing surface to a hot one causes changes in the makeup of the glass, which can result in large cracks in the windshield. You may also encounter problems when using the wrong tools to clean the surfaces or ignoring smaller issues until they become more significant. 

To prevent damage, you should learn how to use all of the related tools properly. For example, you can avoid cracked windshields simply by using a car's defroster correctly. Instead of pouring boiling water onto glass to clear off ice, turn the vehicle on and slowly let the heating system warm up. Then turn on the defroster and let that gradually heat the windshield before using an ice scraper to clear off the glass. 

You should also be sure to get smaller nicks in the glass looked at as soon as possible. Even the tiniest of scratches can be expanded in the winter, causing bigger problems. 

If you're concerned about keeping your vehicle maintenance throughout the winter season, consider enacting these best practices to reduce the risk of damage to a car. You may also want to consider scheduling an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. That garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have, including questions related to the HVAC systems and windshield wipers.