Can a Cracked Windshield Break Apart?

Do you have a cracked windshield? If you’re searching the internet for answers to the question ‘can a cracked windshield break while driving?’ The short answer to your question is, yes. However, there are several factors that are involved. It is important to note that cracks and chips have the potential to grow. It is therefore best to have them repaired as soon as possible. That said, we discuss the answer to the question ‘can a cracked windshield shatter’ and what you should do to avoid this.

Do Windshields Shatter?

Windshields are made from laminated glass or ‘safety glass’. It consists of a plastic film sandwiched between two layers of glass. The risk of this glass shattering is higher when it has a crack or a chip. The glass may shatter when pressure is applied to it or when it is struck by an object. The weakened glass may also shatter when dirt enters the chip or crack.

Will my windshield shatter from a crack?

This is one of the most common questions drivers ask when they discover a crack or chip on their windshield. They wonder if they can drive around safely with cracked glass. For the sake of safety, it is best to seek out the services of a reputable car glass repair service as soon as possible. There’s no telling how fast or how long the glass will remain intact.

Replace or Repair the Windshield?

This depends on the state of the glass. Chips, small areas of damage, are often easy to repair. However, cracks can be more complex. If the crack is 14 inches or more, it will most certainly be best to have the glass replaced. This is also the case when the cracks are in the driver’s field of vision. If you’re uncertain over whether to repair or replace the glass, contact Protech Auto. Our skilled and experienced technicians will inspect your vehicle and help you determine the best way to deal with the damage.

How Long Does It Take for Cracks to Spread?

Have you noticed a crack in windshield growing? If there is one thing you should take away from this article it is this, cracks on auto glass don’t go away when you ignore them. They only grow. You shouldn’t therefore wait around to have your windshield repaired. You should have the crack attended to as soon as possible.

The time it takes for a crack to grow will depend on various factors including:

• Temperature fluctuations

Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause damage to the glass when cracks are not attended to in good time. Heat from the sun will cause the glass to expand while cold temperatures will cause it to contract. This expansion and contraction will result in the crack growing.

• Moisture

When water enters the crack it can cause even more damage to the glass. When temperatures fall and the water freezes, it will expand, requiring more room. This will put pressure on the glass and cause the crack to spread.

• Bumps or rough road

Driving over bumps or on rough roads can place increased pressure on the glass and cause the damage to spread. Drive slowly to reduce the pressure and minimize damage.

• Dirt

If dirt enters the crack, it can cause it to spread by further weakening the glass. It is therefore important to keep dirt out. A temporary solution is to use clear tape over the damaged area.

If you have a crack or chip on your glass, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, Protech Auto Glass for windshield repair services in Kirkland. We’ll have a technician sent to your location as soon as possible.