Windshield damage is very common among many drivers. A small chip or crack may suddenly appear on the road when you are driving. Sometimes the damage appears slight, but it can spread rapidly and worsen. The Auto Glass Safety Council says that the windshield may account for as much as 45% of a vehicle’s overall structural strength in a front-end crash and up to 60% in a rollover accident.
Common Causes of Windshield Damage
A windshield is composed of strong laminated safety glass, but is still vulnerable to the effects of impact and pressure. Understanding the common causes of windshield damage can help drivers protect their auto glass and avoid costly windshield replacement.
Road Debris and Flying Rocks
One of the most common causes of windshield damage is road debris. Small rocks and gravel may be thrown into the air by the tires of other vehicles. When these objects hit the windshield at high speed, they may cause chips or small cracks.
Construction zones and gravel roads are common places where rock chips are a risk. Large trucks and vehicles carrying loose materials can also hurl debris at cars nearby.
Drivers can help to prevent this risk by maintaining a safe distance from trucks and other vehicles. Avoid driving too closely behind vehicles carrying gravel or construction materials.
Sudden Temperature Changes
Temperature fluctuations may also cause damage to a windshield. Glass will expand when heated and shrink when cold. With rapid temperature changes, stress may accumulate within the glass.
For instance, pouring hot water on a frozen windshield can cause the windshield to crack. Using very hot air in the defroster on extremely cold glass can also boost the stress.
In order to avoid this issue, allow time for the windshield to warm in winter. Use the defroster slowly rather than blasting hot air right in.
Poor Road Conditions
Driving on rough roads can also cause windshields to be damaged. Potholes, bumps, and uneven pavement cause vibrations that are transmitted through the car.
If you have a small chip on a windshield, these vibrations can spread the crack over the entire windshield. Even a small chip may grow larger after repeatedly hitting bumps in the road.
If small chips are repaired early, this type of damage can be avoided from spreading.
Weather and Falling Debris
Severe weather may also damage auto glass. Strong winds could blow tree branches or debris into the windshield. Hailstorms may also cause chips or cracks in the glass.
Parking under large trees during storms will increase the probability of falling branches hitting the vehicle. Whenever possible, drivers should park in a garage or covered space during severe weather.
Stress From Existing Chips
A small chip may not appear to be serious at first. However, chips reduce the glass’s structural integrity. Over time, the damage may increase due to pressure from driving weight, temperature changes, or road vibrations.
Once a crack spreads across the windshield, repair may no longer be possible. In many cases, the windshield will need to be replaced.
Fixing rock chips early with windshield repair can avoid the necessity of a complete windshield replacement later.
Protecting Your Windshield
While there are no always ways to avoid windshield damage, there are certain easy-to-follow habits to reduce that risk. Keep a safe distance from vehicles carrying debris, avoid abrupt temperature changes, and repair small chips as soon as possible.
Taking these steps helps to keep your windshield safe and your vehicle safer on the road.
Related Categories: Auto Glass Repair and Replacement, Windshield Repair