One question I have been asked repeatedly over the last couple of weeks is; does the cold weather prevent you from repairing windshields? Generally no, over the years I have learned to adjust. The big problem is moisture, chips with water or ice in them must be dried out. Also repairs can't be done in the same amount of time.

I remember a few years ago talking with Gene Curwick, creator of the resin I use. When I asked how cold I could go and do a repair, he replied probably colder than you want to be out fixing windshields. He told me that the first problem would be keeping the injector on the windshield. These are held on to the windshield with a suction cup. The answer is to switch from using glass cleaner like I usually use to alcohol.  This is just one example of making adjustments to the cold.

I consider Gene one of the fathers of windshield repair. He has pioneered some of the ideas used in windshield repair. Gene started his company in 1981, but had been in the business years before that.

Dealing with the cold personally is another situation. Having grown up in Ohio and spending 3 years stationed along Lake Huron in Michigan when I was in the Air Force, I know the problems encountered with extreme cold. Safety for myself is an issue. While I can wear gloves to keep my hands warm, some things just can't be done while wearing gloves. Frost bite is a problem, besides the ice on parking lots and driveways which can cause slips and falls. I have already fallen once this year, it wasn't pleasant.

So with sleet, freezing rain and snow that we are getting I recommend waiting until the weather clears. I have found some chips that had ice in them, making them unrepairable at that time. Use the defroster sparingly; to help avoid cracking the windshield. Keep in mind that if a repair is done and the water hasn't been totally remove you will have accomplished nothing. Unfortunately sometimes repairs just can't be done as quickly some would like.