Introduction

Even the toughest windshield isn’t immune to cracks, resulting in unsafe drives and lowered vehicle value. Instead of worrying about the cracks, it’s better to understand why they happen. If you’re looking to understand the most common causes of windshield cracks and chips, this blog goes over things like debris impact and extreme temperature fluctuations, highlighting ways like using windshield covers and driving on paved roads to prevent the damage from happening.

 Identifying The Enemies: Top Reasons Why Your Windshield Cracks

Ever noticed how your windshield can appear cracked after your car’s been left parked under the extreme sun for too long? Or the tiny barely-there fissures that appear when you run the wipers? From big to small, there are several reasons why your windshield cracks.

Here is a list of some of the most common reasons that damage your windshield.

• Road Debris

The most common reason for cracks and chips in your windshield is debris flying and hitting the glass. This could be the result of a windy drive or rocks and sand kicked up by other passing cars.

• Temperature Fluctuations

Extreme and sudden variations in temperatures can stress the glass and lead to cracks. For example, if you pour hot water over the windshield on a snowy day to melt the snow, you’ll see cracks appear due to stress.

• Collisions

Whether it’s a hailstorm that your vehicle faced or bird droppings that impacted it, chances are it’s going to crack. And that’s not even to mention minor and major accidents that happen on the road.

• Poor Installation

If you had your windshield replaced and chose an amateur technician to do it, chances are the windshield will get damaged sooner rather than later. The same goes for low-quality windshields.

• Structural Stress

During collisions, even if the impact isn’t directly to the windshield, it can crack. This is because of the stress that the frame experiences from the collision.

• Extreme Heat

Even direct sunlight can lead to fissures running through the glass. This happens due to the glass expanding, leading to vulnerability and eventual cracks.

• Worn Out Wipers

Finally, another reason for your windshield cracking could be the old wipers that you insist on using. They may have warped over time, leading to scratches every time you turn them on during the rain.

Practicing Smart Prevention: Tips To Keep Your Glass From Cracking

Now that you have a better understanding of the reasons for the windshield cracking, it’s time to look into things you can do to avoid them. Here is a list of precautionary measures you can take to keep your windshield looking flawless.

Read on and take notes as we tell you how to handle your vehicle.

• Avoid Debris

When you travel, try to pick a route that doesn’t include unpaved roads or construction sites. If you avoid areas with sand, gravel, and construction debris flying about, your windshield will be safe.

• Gradual Temperature Changes

Don’t try to achieve immediate results. If it’s a cold car in the winter season, try to raise the temperature by slowly cranking up the heaters instead of blasting them at maximum heat.

• Use A Windshield Cover

Perfect for the snow and the extreme heat, a windshield cover prevents the glass from cracking by creating a protective shield over it.

• Prioritize Quality

Whether it’s the mechanic you need to replace an old windshield or the replacement windshield itself, make sure you select an experienced professional technician and high-quality glass.

• Maintain Your Wipers

When your wipers reach the end of their lifespan or have become too damaged, swap them out for new ones to prevent scratching your windshield.

• Park In The Shade

When it’s the height of summer, always park your vehicle in a shady spot. Not only does it keep it marginally cooler, it also protects the windshield from expanding and cracking.

• Drive Cautiously

Be careful when you’re on the road. This will keep you out of accidents, safeguard your well-being, and prevent your windshield from chips and cracks.

Conclusion

To conclude, your windshield can crack for several different reasons. The extreme heat of the summer season, the flying debris from construction sites, and worn-out wipers are just a few of them. Ensure you get a high-quality windshield and use sun shades to prevent cracks and keep your vision clear when you drive. We hope this blog helped. Happy driving!

FAQs

How long does a windshield replacement take?

A full windshield replacement takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

How do I know if I should repair or replace my cracked windshield?

If the crack is less than 6inches and in a corner, you can have it repaired, but if it’s part of a spiderweb or in the driver’s direct line of sight, replace it instead.

What is the cost of windshield repair?

Depending on the extent of the damage, your vehicle’s make and your location, the cost can average around $60-120.