Common Causes Of Windshield Damage
In most cases, windshield damages are caused by things as obvious as road debris thrown at high speeds from the hires of other vehicles while driving or even something less predictable, like the force of a foul ball at a football game. Below we’ll be discussing ten of the most common causes of windshield damage.
The 10 Most Common Causes Of Windshield Cracks
Having to repair or replace a damaged windshield can be a major hassle, more so if you’ve been putting off the windshield repair for a while. The following are some potentially hazardous conditions that often lead to windshield damage. Make sure to be on the lookout for these hazards while driving, as it can save you the cost of repairs or complete replacement.
1. Poor Auto Glass Construction May Warrant Windshield Repairs Or Full Replacement
Windshields manufactured with low-quality glass are most likely to get damaged even with minimal stressors. To avoid constant windshield replacement, purchase one produced with high-quality materials from a reliable manufacturer.
2. Driving Behind Construction Vehicles
If you’ve had your fair share of time on the road, you’ve most likely driven behind large construction vehicles. At times while driving behind construction vehicles, you’ll notice warning signs alerting drivers behind them not to drive too close to avoid possible damage to their automobiles.
Usually, warning signs like this are put out to indicate that the construction vehicle in front might be conveying heavy or sharp materials that risk falling off and landing on any vehicle at their rear, most likely their windshields.
Whether or not you notice any warning sign on the large construction vehicle in front of you, it’s best to preserve the safety of your windshield by maintaining a safe distance or try driving ahead of them if possible.
3. Road Debris
This is believed to be one of the major causes of cracked and chipped vehicle windshields. Small rocks and gravel propelled by the tires of other vehicles can damage your car’s windshield when thrown with enough force.
Regardless of their size, these materials can gain a surprising amount of velocity and can create nickel-sized cracks immediately after making contact with your windshield. While it might seem as if stones are the only small materials you need to worry about on the road, it’s quite the opposite, as there’s also the risk of loose pavement fragments getting thrown at your windshield by the tires of other cars ahead of you.
4. Car Accidents
Almost every car component is likely to be dismantled from its initial position during serious car accidents. Given the right amount of impact, windshields are no exception. In fact, they are often the first to sustain damage.
While this is a possibility, there are ways to minimize the risk of your windshield shattering in the event of a minor car accident, for instance, seeking out an auto glass expert to use protective coatings on your windshield to help retain its structural integrity and prevent it from shattering from head-on collisions and minor accidents.
5. Temperature Changes
Typically, glass contracts in cold temps and expands in warm temperatures. Although automotive glass has unique properties that help it withstand the thermal strain, when kept in extreme temperatures for long durations, it’s likely to develop cracks with the slightest strain. However, it might not be immediately visible.
Your car’s windshield is more likely to develop cracks if you reside in remote areas where temperature fluctuations are a usual occurrence. For instance, if your environment has longer periods of freezing temperature and occasional temperature surges, this causes your windshield to slowly but eventually loses its structural integrity. This means it will likely sustain damage from the slightest impact.
6. Poor Installation
There’s a high possibility of your windshield getting damaged as a result of improper installation or if, during installation, it wasn’t properly fitted into your vehicle’s frame. Driving at maximum speed on expressways is bound to cause the frame to vibrate, damaging your windshield. To keep this from happening, your best possible option is to reposition your windshield.
7. Pressure Changes
Pressure fluctuations often lead to stress cracks. For this to happen, you must be driving at an extremely high speed before your windshield is hit by a flying object. Besides, nearby explosions can lead to a broken windshield, so you’ll need to get your windshield replaced.
8. Direct Sunlight
Like the aforementioned cause of windshield damage, when driving in extreme heat, the outer edges of your windshield panel will begin to expand gradually due to UV rays. This will eventually cause your windshield panel to crack, and if not repaired on time, the crack will begin to spread until your only option will be to replace it. To avoid this, only park your car in your garage or shaded areas.
9. High Winds Can Blow Tree Branches And Other Debris
It’s not advisable to park under trees even if it seems convenient because broken tree branches, nuts, and other debris might fall off the tree onto your windshield. Your windshield can sustain serious damage depending on how tall the tree is. To prevent this from happening, only park your vehicle in your garage, parking lots, and shaded areas, so long as it’s not under a tree.
10. Hail
It’s risky to drive in hail as it can crack your windshield. Remember to slow down or find somewhere to park when driving in this road condition.
Final Words
Your front windshield glass is a crucial component of your car and is also critical for your safety. Make sure to take repair measures as soon as you spot a chip or crack. This will save you from swapping out the entire panel later.
