Windshields play a vital role in vehicle safety. They contribute to over 30 percent of the structural integrity of passenger vehicles. They protect the inside of the vehicle from the elements and ensure the comfort of those inside the vehicle. In addition, a properly fitted windscreen is necessary for proper deployment of the vehicle’s airbags. Windscreens are exposed to a lot of punishment throughout their lifetime. It is therefore not uncommon for car owners to experience damage windshield at some point. Below, we answer the question ‘what causes the windshield to crack’ and how you can avoid it.

Road Debris

Road debris may include stones, pebbles, rocks and gravel. These small hard objects become projectiles traveling at high speed when they are thrown up by car tires or fall of the back of construction vehicles. They can therefore hit your windscreen with great force and cause it to crack or chip.

While it is virtually impossible to avoid being hit by a random stone while driving, you can reduce the risk of your windshield being damaged by not driving too close behind other vehicles. You should also avoid travelling on gravel and near construction sites.

Extreme temperatures

Windshields can be damaged by exposure to sudden or rapid changes in temperature. When the glass is exposed to extreme heat it expands and when it is exposed to cooler temperatures it contracts suddenly. This expansion and sudden contraction can shatter windshield.

You can avoid causing damage to your windshield by not exposing your vehicle’s windshield to extreme changes in temperature. For example, avoid leaving your car sitting out under direct sunlight on hot day. Find a shaded area to park under. Never use boiling hot water to defrost your windscreen. You should also avoid blasting your air conditioner on the hottest setting to heat your car’s inside quickly on a cold day. Let the heat buildup gradually.

Accidents and collisions

This is one of the most common causes for windshield cracks. These may involve collisions involving two vehicles, striking animals on the road or objects such as golf balls striking the windshield. Rollover accidents can also result in windshield damage. Accidents and collisions that involve impact directly to the windshield or any part of the front of a vehicle can result in damage to the windshield.

You can protect your windshield by being more vigilant when driving. You should be careful to be are of your surroundings at all times. Drive at a reasonable speed that will allow you to react appropriately in case of danger.

Improper installation

There are times when windshield damage is a result of poor installation practices. The windshield contributes to slightly over 30 percent of the structural integrity of a passenger car. Even distribution of stress is therefore vital for the structural integrity of the windshield. Stress cracks can form in the windshield when the windshield is installed incorrectly. Windshields can also succumb to stress when they are made from poor quality glass.

It is important to ensure that your windshield is installed by an experienced technician. The technician should install a windshield made from high quality glass. Windshields that are installed properly installed and are made of high quality material offer greater structural support in the event of a collision. They will provide you with better protection in the event of an accident. The technicians at Protech Auto Glass are trained, certified and experienced in windshield repair and replacement. We only use windshields made from the highest quality in materials to ensure the best protection.

Conclusion

Hopefully this brief discussion of why do windshields crack has provided you with a better understanding of the most common causes for windshield damage. If you’re windshield has sustained damage, it is important to have it repaired as quickly as possible. Even a small chip can compromise the structural integrity of the windshield. It can also quickly become a large crack that compromises the structural integrity of your vehicle and requires you to have the entire windshield replaced.

Contact Protech Auto Glass for fast and effective windshield repair and ensure you can drive your vehicle safely. Call Protect Auto Glass for all your auto glass replacement and repair needs.