The windshield is one of the most important parts of the car. It protects the driver and passengers from outside elements. When a windshield is damaged, it can cause several accidents. Accidental damage to a car’s windshield can be caused by many things, such as stones thrown up by other cars, objects on the road, or even hail. In this blog, we will mention other causes you might not be taking too seriously but are also concerning.
Old or Faulty Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers are an essential part of a car. They help keep the windshield clear of dirt and debris. However, they can cause scratches if they are not in good condition, or if they are not being used properly.
Windshield wipers have a rubber blade attached to a metal arm with a motor. This blade moves back and forth over the windshield to remove water or debris from the surface. The rubber blade is usually made of natural or synthetic rubber material, which can be easily scratched by sand, gravel, or even small pebbles on the road. The scratches will cause streaks on the windshield, which reduces visibility while driving at night.
The most common cause of scratches is faulty windshield wipers. To avoid this, you should check the condition of the wipers every month or two. If they are not in good shape, it is best to replace them with new ones.
Following Other Vehicles Too Closely
Drivers often fail to realize the danger of following cars too closely. The problem is that when you do this, your windshield is more likely to get damaged.
There are multiple reasons why following a car too closely can cause damage to your windshield. The first one is the most obvious: if a car in front of you slams on its brakes, your vehicle will be forced forward and into its back bumper or trunk. This causes the airbag in front of you to deploy at high speed and hit the windshield with enough force to shatter it.
In other cases, loose rocks and debris can get kicked up by the other vehicle’s tires and become airborne, and if they hit your windshield, they can cause major damage. Unfortunately, these cases are very common.
Parking Under Trees
Parking under trees can cause a lot of damage to your windshield. When the branches from the tree rub against the windshield, they can scratch and crack it. This can cause several problems for drivers making it difficult to see. Little animals like squirrels can also drop acorns on your windshield and crack it.
Temperature Fluctuation
The temperature fluctuation is the main cause of windshield damage. When the temperature changes too quickly, it causes stress to the glass and can lead to cracking or shattering.
Windshields are made of a laminate containing layers of glass with a plastic layer in between. The plastic layer is designed to keep moisture out of the glass layers. When it’s cold outside, it shrinks, leaving gaps between it and the glass layers. When it’s hot outside, this plastic layer expands, which can lead to cracks in the windshield or even breakage if not fixed quickly enough. These temperature fluctuations can lead to stress on your windshield that would not have been there without them.
This damage can be prevented by following some simple guidelines:
● Park the car in front of a building wall to protect it from sunlight and heat.
● Use a sunshade for your windshield when you park on the street.
● Try to adjust your heater and air conditioner gradually when you get in your car.
Driving is a task that we do every day, and it can be hard to remember all the steps we need to take to ensure our car stays safe.
It’s important to note that the windshield is not just there for aesthetics, it protects you and your passengers from injury in case of an accident. The windshield also helps reduce glare from the sun so you can see better while driving.
If you notice any damage to your windshield, whether small or big, contact Mobile Safe Autoglass, and we will take care of it. We provide quick service with the most up-to-date procedures and materials to provide the best windshield repair services. Contact us today!