Auto glass cracks can happen to anyone, and most people will face this challenge at some point. Whether flying debris has hit the windshield or temperature fluctuation is the cause of the blemish, cracks in the windshield can limit safety if not repaired almost immediately. Not only does it decrease visibility for the driver, but it can decrease the value of the vehicle as well. For this reason, it is vital to understand what causes cracks in the first place, when it's time to have them repaired or replaced, and how to prevent them from occurring in the future. Read on for more information about the common causes of cracks in the windshield, why having repairs done immediately upon discovery is important, and ways to prevent it from happening again.
It is inevitable for cracks in the windshield to occur, whether big or small cracks. Driving behind trucks that haul dirt, rocks, or anything else that is prone to fly out, can cause cracks in the windshield. Auto body professionals recommend having even the smallest of cracks repaired because small cracks can lead to larger ones, making visibility more challenging. For safety reasons, cracks in the windshield should be repaired immediately after they are discovered to ensure the safety of every passenger in the vehicle. If the operator has low visibility due to a crack in the auto glass, they, along with their other passengers, are susceptible to unwanted auto accidents. To ensure that operators have the best understanding of cracks in the windshield, it is important to know what causes these cracks, when it is time to have the windshield repaired or replaced, and how to best prevent cracks in the future.
What causes cracks in the auto glass?
The most common causes of auto glass cracks are due to road debris, temperature changes, car accidents, low-quality glass, and improper glass installation. The leading cause of auto glass cracks is flying road debris, such as rocks and gravel that hit the windshield from underneath the tires of other drivers. Temperature changes are another uncontrollable factor that causes windshield cracks. Sudden temperature changes, whether from hot to cold or cold to hot, can affect the windshield's ability to stay strong and can create a level of vulnerability strong enough to cause a crack. The glass in a windshield has been designed to expand depending on the temperature, but over time, there is only so much fluctuation that it can take. Extreme temperature changes can severely increase the windshield's susceptibility to cracks, leading to the possibility of a necessary replacement. A more obvious cause of cracks within the windshield is the impact of an auto collision. The collision itself can be strong enough to create enough force that cracks the glass completely out of place or causes cracks within the windshield in areas that may make visibility more difficult. The smaller cracks can also turn into larger and more severe cracks, causing difficulty in the future. Low-quality glass, along with improper placement of glass, can be the result of a previous collision. If a vehicle has been in an accident before and the vehicle was not repaired by a reliable auto body repair shop, the glass is more susceptible to cracks as well. Although it may be an inconvenience to have to take the time to have the windshield repaired, it is highly recommended to understand when it is necessary to have the auto glass repaired or replaced.
When is it time to get an auto glass repair and/or replacement?
Ultimately, the windshield should be repaired or replaced whenever the driver's visibility is challenged by the crack. Solely for the purposes of safety, the windshield should be repaired whenever cracks become visible because cracks are notorious for spreading across the glass. Limited visibility can warrant unwanted collisions and risk the safety of the driver as well as other vehicle operators on the road. It is also more cost-effective to take care of cracks when they are smaller versus when they grow. Smaller cracks can oftentimes be repaired with minimal labor and cost, whereas larger cracks usually require the glass to be replaced completely, which is much more expensive.
How to Prevent cracks in the future?
Receiving cracks in the windshield can be an uncontrollable and inevitable circumstance more times than not. However, here are some tips and tricks to stay away from this inconvenience as much as possible.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles: Try to keep a safe distance from other vehicles while driving, especially larger vehicles like trucks and buses. This can help to reduce the risk of debris kicked up by other vehicles hitting your windshield.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes: Avoid exposing your windshield to extreme temperature changes whenever possible. For example, avoid parking your car in direct sunlight on a hot day or blasting the air conditioning on a cold day.
- Replace worn wiper blades: Worn or damaged wiper blades can scratch the windshield, making it more susceptible to cracks. Be sure to replace your wiper blades regularly to avoid this problem.
- Be careful when cleaning: Avoid using abrasive or acidic cleaners on your windshield, as they can damage the glass and make it more likely to crack.
- Repair chips and cracks promptly: If you notice a chip or crack in your windshield, have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading and causing further damage.
- Choose high-quality glass and proper installation: If you need to replace your windshield, choose high-quality glass and a reputable installer to ensure that the windshield is properly installed and less likely to crack.
In conclusion, cracks in the windshield can be an unavoidable inconvenience for many drivers. But by understanding what causes them and taking preventative measures, drivers can reduce the risk of damage to their auto glass. Drivers must have repairs performed immediately after discovery to ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers.