Four seasons in one day is what they say, and it’s so true. Melbournians are accustomed to adding and shedding layers of clothing by the hour as the unpredictable Victorian temps fluctuate. Melbourne’s mother nature doesn’t just impact our outfits and general sanity, she is also very dangerous for our vehicles - particularly our windscreens. Why is Melbourne such an Aussie hotspot for cracked and damaged windscreens?

Rapid changing temperatures

Often somewhere in the transition from Spring to Summer, Melbourne is known to endure temps in the teens following temps in the 30’s and vice versa. We’re victims of our temperate positioning being a tug of war between the arctic zone and the tropics. Wind speed and direction can make an incredible temperature difference from one hour to the next. Windscreen glass expands when warm and contracts when chilly. Over time these swift and extreme changes can encourage cracks to form. There’s not a whole lot you can do about it; but try to park your car in a controlled environment whenever these temperature fluctuations are occuring.

Extreme heat waves and arctic cold fronts

Scorching summer temperatures can put your windscreen under a lot of pressure. If you already have a small crack or chip in your windscreen, it’s common for direct sunlight and extreme heat to make the damage significantly worse. If you shock your sizzling windscreen by blasting your air conditioner on the inside of the vehicle, this rapid temperature change can also lead to damage. Best to park in the shade during summer and cool the interior of your vehicle gradually.

Arctic cold snaps strike Melbourne regularly. Teeth-chattering temps of 4 and frosty nights can certainly challenge your windscreen health. Cracks commonly occur if you try to defrost your windscreen with very hot water, or even if you crank up your heater inside the vehicle. As chilly as it may be, try to protect your windscreen by gradually increasing the temperature of your defrosters.