The windshield of a car is one of the most important safety features. It protects the occupants of the car from wind, debris, and other dangers. There are a few different ways that a windshield can crack.
Windshields are made up of a putting a plastic layer between two layers of glass. The plastic layer is there to prevent the glass from shattering if it breaks.
However, the plastic layer can only do so much. With enough force the glass sheets will break. he force of the impact can cause the glass to crack, chip, or even shatter.
Knowing how a windshield cracks can help you avoid it happening to your car. It can also help you determine if your windshield needs to be repaired or replaced.
This blog post will discuss the different ways a windshield can crack and what you can do to prevent it.
What Causes a Windshield Crack?
Stones or debris
One of the most common ways that a windshield crack is from a small stone or other pieces of debris hitting it. This is especially common on highways where there are a lot of cars and trucks kicking up stones. The impact of the stone can cause a small chip or crack to form in the windshield.
The stone will usually hit the windshield at an angle. This can cause the crack to spread across the windshield. It is hard to avoid being hit by a stone while driving on the highway. The best way to avoid this is to make sure your windshield is in good condition and free of any chips or cracks.
Temperature changes
Another way that a windshield can crack is from temperature changes. This is because glass expands and contracts as the temperature changes. If there is a sudden change in temperature, it can cause the glass to crack. This is most likely to happen in the winter when the temperature drops suddenly.
A car that sits in the summer sun for too long can also have a cracked windshield. The best way to avoid this is to park in a shady spot and not leave your car in the sun for too long. This way, the temperature inside the car will not change too much.
Pressure changes
Pressure changes are another factor that can cause a windshield. A parked at an angle that receives strong head-on winds will cause a cracked windshield. The wind can cause the glass to flex and eventually crack.
This is most likely to happen in areas where there are high winds, such as on a mountain road. One way to avoid this is to park in a sheltered area or garage where the wind cannot get to the car. You can also avoid this by not driving in high winds.
Improper installation
An improperly installed windshield can cause a windshield to crack. Poorly supported glass will flex and break. Have your windshields installed by trained professionals. This way, you can avoid having to replace the windshield again.
Read also: Top 10 Best Windshield Repair Kits
Poor quality glass
If the glass is of poor quality, it can also crack more easily. This is because the glass is not as strong and can break easily. However, this is most likely to happen with cheaper windshields.
Therefore, it is important to make sure that the glass is of good quality so that it does not crack easily. Buy from a reputable company that makes and/or sells good quality windshields.
Accidents
Of course, accidents are one of the most common ways that a windshield can crack. The force of the impact can cause the glass to break or shatter. In some cases, the entire windshield will need to be replaced.
If you are in an accident, hire a professional to check your windshield Also, make sure to drive safely and avoid accidents.
Bad weather
Bad weather can also cause a windshield to crack. This is because the wind can blow objects around and hit the windshield. This is most likely to happen in a storm. So, if you are driving in bad weather, it is important to be extra careful and avoid driving in high winds.
In addition, if you see any objects flying around, it is important to pull over and stop the car. This way, you can avoid a windshield cracked.
Factory defects
Sometimes, a windshield can crack because of a factory defect. This is most likely to happen with new cars. An improperly constructed windshield will crack easily. This is why it is important to buy from a reputable company. Make sure that the windshield is made of good quality materials and that it is installed correctly.
Age
As a windshield age, it can become more brittle and susceptible to cracking. This is because the glass deteriorates over time. So, if you have an older car, it is important to be extra careful and avoid driving in bad weather or accidents.
In addition, if you see any cracks in the windshield, it is important to have it checked by a professional.
Conclusion
There are many factors that can cause a windshield to crack. However, the above-mentioned are some of the most common factors that can cause a crack in the windshield.
We all know how annoying it is to have a cracked windshield. Not only does it obstruct your view, but it also needs to be replaced, which can be costly.
So, make sure you are aware of these factors so that you can avoid having your windshield cracked. Be cautious when driving in hazardous weather or situations. If you detect any fractures on your windshield, have it inspected by a professional right away. That way, you can avoid having to replace the windshield.