Seasonal Care Tips for Your Windshield in the Okanagan Valley: Winter Edition

Camilla Amundsen
Dec 10, 2025
2 min read

Car driving on a snowy winter road surrounded by snow-covered trees in the Okanagan Valley.

Winter in the Okanagan Valley brings colder temperatures, icy roads, and the return of road sand and gravel. While these conditions help keep drivers safe on slippery streets, they can be tough on your windshield. Winter is the season when small chips turn into cracks the fastest, usually when freezing temperatures and defrosters work against each other. Taking care of minor damage early can help protect your visibility and prevent unnecessary replacements.

Here are a few winter windshield care tips to help you stay safe and prepared through the colder months.

Warm Up Your Windshield Gradually

Sudden temperature changes can stress your windshield. Although it's tempting, blasting hot air onto a frozen windshield as soon as you get in your vehicle can cause chips and cracks to expand quickly.

Our tip: Start your defrost on low and allow your windshield to warm up evenly.

Clear Ice Gently

It may seem logical that hot water will melt ice, but it is a very bad idea, as the extreme temperature shock can fracture the glass. Use a good quality scraper and winter-grade washer fluid to help break up ice gradually.

Be Mindful of Sand & Gravel

Sand and gravel are used throughout the Okanagan to improve traction on winter roads, especially in high-traffic and hilly areas. The trade-off is an increased likelihood of rock chips.

Give extra following distance, and if you do get a chip, repair it quickly. In winter, freeze-thaw cycles make damage spread much faster.

Rock Chip Repair: https://www.masterglassautoglass.com/rock-chip-repair

Keep Washer Fluid Winter-Ready

Winter road spray is full of grit, salt, and dirt. Make sure your washer fluid is the winter-type with de-icer agents for low temperatures, and replace any wiper blades that streak or leave uneven marks.

For Safety and Convenience: We Offer Mobile Windshield Replacement

If you already have a crack or a windshield that needs replacing, sometimes it’s safer to avoid driving - especially in winter conditions when visibility is critical.

We can come to you and complete the replacement on-site, and if your vehicle has advanced safety systems like lane assist or collision warning, we’ll also complete the ADAS calibration so everything continues to function correctly.

Learn more about our mobile service here:

https://www.masterglassautoglass.com/mobile-windshield-replacement-adas-calibration

This option is especially helpful when roads are icy, or if the damage affects your ability to see clearly.