One of the most crucial components of a car is the windshield. Even a small chip or crack can compromise the entire windshield and impair your visibility while driving, which can lead to road accidents and collisions. That’s why we want to share with you some of the most common causes of windshield damage so you can be aware and try to avoid them.
Accidents or Collisions
Because of all the pressure and force put on the car, high-impact automotive accidents create the worst glass damage. Even a little collision can fracture the windshield, especially if the glass already has a crack. These situations usually require a complete windshield replacement because the integrity of the glass is compromised
Anything that slams into your windshield with a lot of force and speed might break it. To avoid an expensive repair due to a careless accident, be sure to park your vehicle somewhere that is not easily accessible to others.
Drastic Temperatures
Cold temperatures force all of your car’s components, including the glass, to contract. If your automobile has any chips or cracks, make sure to repair them before the cold weather arrives. Any scratches on the glass may cause compression tension to distribute unevenly, resulting in larger cracks in the windshield.
Be careful with the adverse effects of hot objects against the cold glass. If you believe boiling water or high heat would help you defrost your windshield faster, you’ll be surprised when it cracks right in front of your eyes. Extreme temperatures don’t mix well, and the combined stress of the heat and cold will almost certainly damage your windshield.
Road Debris
Windshield damage is frequently caused by rocks, stones, pebbles, and gravel thrown up by other cars’ tires. Small, hard objects traveling at high speeds can strike your windshield, chipping or cracking the glass.
While there isn’t much you can do to avoid being hit by a stray stone, keeping plenty of space between your car and the vehicle in front of you will help. As a general guideline, slow down if another vehicle passes you, and be particularly cautious when driving on gravel or in construction zones.
Wrong Installation
When there is a structural weakness inside the glass itself, stress cracks appear. Fractures along the edges will be the first to show up, as this is the most sensitive area for damage. This is because the installation was done incorrectly. While the flaws may not be obvious right away, they might develop into massive fissures over time.
Low-Quality Glass
Modern automobile windshields are designed to provide the best protection. The insertion of a polyvinyl butyral layer between two sheets of glass adds strength and protects against impact fracture. Low-quality glass or windshields may not be as strong, posing a risk to passengers.
You probably noted that some of these causes come from the installation and materials of the windshield, which means that you can avoid them by hiring professionals like Mobile Safe Auto Glass. We can help you replace or repair your windshield at our shop, or by coming straight to your home or work. We offer only high-quality products and services. Contact us today for more information!