Protect Your Windshield from Rock

7 Common Causes of Auto Glass Damage

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Guide

Do you want to reduce the need for auto glass repair and replacement due to windshield glass damage? Then this article is for you. We will discuss the 7 common causes of damage to car glass, which, once understood, will help you prevent such instances in the future.
 
We will also be sharing some actionable tips that will help you prevent damage to the car’s front glass and have a safe and enjoyable driving experience. This will also help you ensure that your vehicle is always in the best condition.
 

7 Causes of Auto Glass Damage

It is important that you understand what causes damage to glass windshields, as only then will you be able to figure out how to protect it. The 7 most common causes leading to damage to car glass are:
 

Road Debris

One of the most common causes of damage to car windows and windshields is road debris. Your vehicle’s auto glass is exposed to road debris like small rocks, pebbles, and other such objects because of the pressure applied by the wheels of passing vehicles or even wind.
 
This debris can cause scratches or chips in your windshield and windows, which might not be noticeable initially but can grow over time due to vibrations while driving and temperature fluctuations.
 

Weather Conditions

Poor and extreme weather conditions also lead to windshield damage because while they are built to withstand normal weather conditions, they can be damaged severely during extreme weather conditions.
 
For instance, hailstorms can shatter your windshield, intense heat and heatwave can cause your auto glasses to expand which worsens pre-existing scratches and chips, and under severe cold, the auto glass can contract building pressure on the already existing chips and scratches, leading to severe damage.
 

Accidents and Collisions

Accidents and collisions cause damage to windshield glass which leads to the need for windshield repair or replacement. In case of a minor accident, there are chances of stress fractures, whereas, in case of major accidents, the frame of your vehicle might get twisted leading to the shattering of your windshield.
 
Also, if your auto glass collides with harder objects like those made of metal or concrete, it can lead to the formation of holes or gouges, requiring you to undertake windshield replacement.
 

Improper Installation or Defects

If the windshield installed by you has some defects or is not installed properly, then it becomes more prone to auto glass damage. This is because when the windshield is not installed properly, it means that either it has not fit in its frame properly or the adhesive used to bond it with the frame is substandard.
 
This is risky because under pressure or during temperature fluctuations, these windshields can crack. To avoid any such circumstances, make sure that you choose a windshield free from defects and get it installed by experts.
 

Poor Maintenance and Neglect

Poor maintenance and neglect in terms of improper installation and poor glass quality make it more prone to damage and defects that call for windshield repair and replacement.
 
This is because a poorly maintained windshield can shift while driving or even leak air and water. Also, poor-quality windshield glass can lead to stress cracks, which will only grow bigger when left untreated.
 

Driving on Rough Terrain

If you are driving on rough terrain, such as unpaved roads, roads filled with potholes, or roads near construction sites, your glass windshield can be damaged. Sudden jolts or too many vibrations can cause your windshield to develop cracks or chips.
 

Stress and Pressure

Stress and pressure from high-speed winds, heavy rains, snowfall, heat waves, or other environmental conditions can cause stress fractures to develop on your windshield. You must repair them immediately, or you risk them growing.
 

How to Prevent Auto Glass Damage?

Some of the strategies that you can implement to prevent auto glass damage are:
 

  • Avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause your auto glass to crack. This means parking your vehicle in the shade, using a defroster slowly, and avoiding using hot water to defrost. Also, if the car is parked in the sun, do not start the air conditioning immediately; let it cool down a little first.
  • Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to prevent damage to car glass from debris let loose by that vehicle. This would also eliminate the risk of stopping suddenly.
  • Ensure that you are replacing your windshield wipers regularly because worn-out wipers can cause scratches on your windshield, which can obstruct your visibility.
  • Park in covered areas and avoid driving through unpaved roads and construction sites. This will protect your vehicle’s windshield and windows from flying stones, rocks, and other debris and the damage they can cause.
  • Make sure you have a DIY kit to repair chips and cracks that have occurred immediately, especially if you feel you cannot take your vehicle to a repair shop quickly. This will prevent the damage from spreading.

 

Conclusion

You must avoid auto glass damage at all costs or get it repaired immediately to ensure your safety. This is because a cracked windshield shatters more easily in case of an accident or a collision. Also, you would be protected from environmental elements like rains and winds only if no cracks in the glass allow them to sneak in.
 
Additionally, you will be able to avoid insurance claim issues, tickets, and loss of structural integrity because of a damaged glass windshield. Hence, to avoid auto glass damage, resort to the expertise of Auto Glass America and have a safe and memorable driving experience.
 

FAQs

 

Can a windshield crack without anything hitting it?

Yes, windshields can crack due to factors like extreme temperature changes, structural stress, or manufacturing defects, even if nothing visibly hits them.
 

What causes broken front glass on a car?

The front glass of a car can break due to impact from debris, temperature fluctuations, stress from body flexing, or accidents.
 

Why did my windshield crack overnight?

Overnight cracks can appear on your windshield because of rapid temperature fluctuations. For example, cold nights are followed by warmer mornings. It can also appear because of pre-existing stress points in the glass.

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