Causes for Windshield Cracks and the Need for Prompt Repair
Flying Debris
Flying debris can crack the windshield if they land with enough force. You risk damage from flying debris whenever:
- You drive on a gravel road
- You drive behind a truck with falling debris
- You expose your car to hailstones
- You expose your car to windstorms
Your speed, the size of the debris, and the weight of the debris determine the risk and extent of the damage.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are common causes of windshield damage. You can damage the windshield if you collide with another car, object, or animal, or if your car roofs. Any accident that involves an impact on the windshield can crack the glass.
Weather Issues
Windshield glass, just like other solids, expands when hot and contracts when cool. Glass manufacturers design their products to withstand these temperature fluctuations, but there is a limit as to how much temperature changes the glass can take. Rapid fluctuations and extreme temperatures can cause damage.
Extreme pressure changes can also cause windshield damage. You might expose your car to such pressure changes when you drive at an extremely high speed, and the pressures outside and inside the car vary widely. Prolonged exposure to such conditions increases the risk of damage.
Low-Quality Glass
Any glass can crack, but low-quality glass is more likely to experience damage than high-quality glass. Luckily, any glass from the major manufacturers is usually good enough. An auto glass specialist can help you choose the best glass for your car.
Why You Should Fix Glass Damages ASAP
Fix windshield damage at the earliest opportunity possible. Below are some consequences to expect if you drive with a damaged windshield for a long time.
Improper Airbag Deployment
The windshield helps to determine the direction of airbag deployment. The windshield also needs to be strong enough so that the deployed airbag doesn't damage it. If you are ever in an accident with a damaged windshield, the airbag might deploy in the wrong direction or detach the windshield. Such scenarios increase the risk of injuries to the vehicle's occupants.
Sensor Malfunction
Modern windshields usually come with multiple sensors. Examples include rain sensors and driver assistance sensors (such as cameras). If windshield damage occurs around the sensor area, it might affect the operation of the sensors. Such damage might affect the safety and operation of the car.
Decreased Visibility
Windshield directly in front of the driver is probably the most dangerous. Such damage can block the driver's view of the road and increase the risk of a crack.
Water Leaks
A deep crack can allow water to penetrate the glass and affect the interior of the car. Prolonged water leaks (for example, due to open-air parking) can damage your car's interior, affect the electronics, and even encourage mold growth.
Bigger Cracks
Lastly, even a small crack on the windshield will grow if you don't fix it promptly. Don't forget that you may repair small cracks, and bigger ones necessitate windshield replacement.
Get a competent auto glass technician to replace your damaged windshield. Proper installation ensures the durability of the glass. Affiliated Auto Glass has extensive experience in glass installation for both American and foreign cars.
Contact us for a quote so that we can fix your car and get it back on the road as soon as possible.
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