Common Causes of Auto Glass Damage

Many car owners are aware that their windscreens and windows play a vital role in the function of their cars. Auto glass contributes to about 40 percent of the structural integrity of a vehicle. It also protects you from the elements and wind while driving. Your drive would otherwise feel like a punishment. However, like anything else windshields do become damaged at some point during the car’s lifespan. Sometimes the cause of the cracking is obvious. Other times it may appear like a case of windshield cracking for no reason. The truth is that there is always a reason behind the damage on your auto glass. Understanding what causes a car windshield to crack is the first step to protecting and repairing your car.

Common causes of auto glass damage

1. Debris on roadways

This is one of the most common causes of windshield damage. Lose rocks, pebbles, stones and gravel can be picked up by other vehicles and propelled at a high speed in the direction of your windshield. Even a small stone can become a forceful projectile when kicked up by the tires of a vehicle moving at high speed. Stones, pebbles and rocks may also fall from large construction vehicles transporting construction materials.

When rocks hit the windshield with great force they result in a chip or crack on the windshield. It is important to invest in car window repair as soon as possible. Cracks and chips, when left unattended, can become large cracks that result in the complete damage of the windshield. You would have to get the windshield replaced in such an instance.

2. Sudden changes in temperature

Can heat cause windshield to crack? While you may be looking forward to warmer temperatures, you should know that the warmer weather comes with its own problems when it comes to auto glass. While heat in itself will not cause damage to your windshield, sudden changes in temperature will. Auto glass expands when it is heated. It contracts when it is cooled. Rapid contraction and expansion will result in cracking of the glass.

Fluctuations in temperature can occur as a result of rapid changes in weather conditions. It may be hot outside and then suddenly become cooler as a result of spring rain. These shifts in temperature will result in chipping or cracking of the glass. It is therefore not advisable to leave your car outside on a hot day.

Sudden temperature changes may also occur as a result of human error. People often use hot water to defrost their windshields for example or blast their air conditioning to heat the inside of the car. The sudden rise in temperature in either case can cause the windshield to crack.

3. The forces of nature

You should be thankful if you’re lucky enough to be able to park your car in a commercial or personal garage at all times. A garage protects your vehicle from the environment. However, when parked outside your car will be exposed to the forces of nature.

Storms, high winds, hail and debris blown in the wind can all have an impact on your windshield. For example, if you leave your car outside in a storm, you can expect damage to your windshield as a result of flying debris or even hail falling on the windshield and causing it to crack.

Sunny days don’t mean that your windshield is no longer at risk. Parking your car under a tree will expose your car to damage from falling fruit or other debris in the tree.

4. Worn wiper blades

Wiper blades are very useful for ensuring good visibility while driving. However, they can pose a risk to the windshield if they are not maintained properly. The rubber lining on the windshield wipers wears away over time. This exposes the hard plastic or metal that holds the rubber in place. When the windshield wipers are used in this state, they can cause scratches on the windshield or even chips.

It is important to have your windshield blades replaced as soon as you notice that the rubber is wearing out. You should also have the wipers replaced when you notice that the rubber is beginning to harden, Hardened rubber can cause chips and scratches on your windshield.

A good rule of thumb is to have your windshield blades replaced at least twice a year. This will reduce the risk of damaging your windshield.

Mobile Car Window Repair

Many car owners with chips or small cracks on their windows put off windshield repair until the windshield is so badly damaged that it ought to be replaced. If your auto glass is damaged get in touch with us, Protech Auto Glass. We provide mobile auto glass repair. Our technicians will come to your location and have your windshield repaired in the shortest time possible. Contact us now to learn more.