Repairing Our Vehicle

The windshield is part of the safety system of the car. The windshield helps to maintain the structural integrity of the car in a collision and also keeps you inside the car in case of a crash. That is why a damaged windshield requires prompt repair. Here are some of the usual causes of windshield damage.

Improper Installation

A windshield that doesn't fit properly will vibrate as the car moves, and the vibrations can crack the windshield or cause chips at the edges of the glass. Choosing the wrong glass can cause such damages. Installing the right glass improperly can also lead to such damages. That is why windshield glass replacement should not be a DIY project for those without the relevant experience.

Temperature Fluctuations

Glass expands when the temperature rises and contracts when the temperature falls. Windshield glass is manufactured to withstand such contractions and expansions. However, damage might occur if the temperature fluctuates too rapidly or if the fluctuations reach extreme ranges.

Pressure Fluctuations

Just like temperature fluctuations, pressure fluctuations can also crack windshield glass. The glass can shatter if the pressure inside the car doesn't equal the pressure outside the car. This can happen during a windstorm or when driving at high speeds. Again, the glass is designed to handle different pressure ranges, but there is a limit to the pressure differences that your windshield glass can handle.

Road Accidents

Road accidents are, by far, the most common causes of windshield damage. A head-on collision, a rollover accident, a pileup accident, and any accident that places extreme stress on the glass can crack it. The good news is that windshield glass is designed not to shatter at impact, so the collision damage doesn't cause further injuries.

Falling Objects

All manner of falling objects can damage the windshield.  Tree branches, fruits, and cones are examples of tree materials that can cause windshield damage. Other falling objects that can cause such damage include snow, ice, hail, and rocks.

Road Debris

Lastly, you also have to worry about road debris as far as causes of windshield damage are concerned. Driving on a gravel road, for example, with loose surface rocks can cause windshield damage if your car or another car sends a rock flying onto your windshield. Even objects falling off other vehicles can cause the same damage.

As you can see, it's not easy to avoid all causes of windshield damage. If your windshield does get damaged, consult an auto glass repair expert for the repair or replacement of the glass.