Reasons Why Windshields Develop Cracks; And Your Options Thereafter


According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, windshield cracks should not be ignored because they impair vision, reduce support, and can get in the way of airbag deployment.
Apart from collision accidents, we’ve outlined the most common reasons why windshields develop cracks—as well as prevention techniques.
Flying Gravel
Driving on an unpaved road can cause debris to fly and hit the windshield. This is more dangerous if there are high-speed winds or if you’re speeding. When gravel particles hit your vehicle with force, the damage sustained is also higher. The key here is to drive slowly.
Faulty Windshield
Imperfections in the windshield—such as a slight wave or uneven surface—can considerably compromise the structural integrity of the car. A weak windshield is more susceptible to breaking compared to a regular one. Inspect your windshield before you buy a car or when you get a new one installed.
Sunlight
Sunlight and extreme heat exposure can cause the windshield to break. Rapid temperature change doesn’t sit well with glass surfaces. The edge of the windscreen heats up faster than the center, and this difference may cause the glass to crack.
To avoid this, park your car in a shaded area or in a garage—away from direct sunlight.
Pressure Changes
Pressure changes in the atmosphere can cause stress cracks. These changes can occur as a result of driving at very high speeds or an object applying undue force on the windshield.
Hail
A hail storm is a hazard to not just your windshield but all the glass components of your car. Even if you’re not driving, sharp ice pellets, at high speeds, can chip and crack the glass. The best thing to do during a hailstorm is to park your car in the garage or, at the very least, cover it using a car tarp.
Poor Installation
Spaces or leaks between the windshield and the car’s body are an indicator of a poorly installed windshield. This can happen if the windshield is of the wrong size or if it’s incorrectly placed. Both can result in cracks on your windshield.

If you notice that your car windshield is poorly installed or has defects, get it repaired immediately.
Auto Glass in San Antonio offers mobile service for windshield repairs and 24-hour glass replacement services in San Antonio.
They also offer a lifetime guarantee on all their auto glass replacements, which means you don’t have to worry about defects or faulty installations.
For a free estimate, give them a call at (210)793-7115 or drop a message here.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tempered Vs. Laminated Glass Explained

Image
  Did you know that the glass on the front and rear windshield of your car is different? Don't trust us? Well, you can look at broken ones (we don't mean you break them yourself). The windshield in the front will most likely be cracked but would still be attached, whereas the back one breaks into tiny round pieces when you apply stress Both windshields are made from different types of glass, named laminated glass and tempered glass. Here's a list to show how both of them are different: How Are Both Windshields Glass Made? Windshield glasses are designed to ensure the safety of the passengers inside the vehicle during a crash. Both types of windshield glass are made using different methods . The laminated glass (front) is formed using layers of glass with vinyl in between them, with the resin used to stick them together. Think of it as a glass sandwich that ensures the glass will stick together with other pieces when shattered. Tempered mirrors (rear) are developed by heatin...
Read more

Tips to Safely Remove Ice from Auto Glass

Image
Do you scrape ice off your windshield using a metal scraper ? Or do you impatiently pour boiling hot water to get it to melt faster? If you answered yes to these questions, you’d soon need a windshield replacement in San Antonio  because those methods are bound to damage the glass. You don’t want to drive a car with a damaged windshield, so the best way to remove ice or snow is to use slow and deliberate methods that get the job done. Here are a few ways to de-ice your car safely: Use a Rubbing Alcohol Mixture If you need to defrost your windshield in a hurry, take a spray bottle and pour in two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water. Make sure the water is at room temperature. Now shake the bottle and spray this solution on your iced-up windshield. The alcohol will make the ice slide off the glass almost instantly. But if it’s caked on too thick, repeat the process until all the ice has gone. Try Salt and Water Salt has forever been used to clean up our driveways, so why not try...
Read more

Tempered Glass vs. Laminated Glass: What Are the Differences?

Image
  While both tempered and laminated glass are used as safety glasses in modern automobiles, they differ by various features, such as strength, manufacturing process, and applications. Continue reading to learn the major differences between tempered and laminated glass. 1.  Manufacturing Process    Laminated glass is prepared by bonding two glass layers with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer. The resin interlayer holds together the glass sheets, keeping them from breaking on impact. Due to its unique manufacturing process, laminated glass can crack but never shatter on collision. On the contrary, tempered glass  is produced by strengthening standard glass. The process involves heating, pressuring, and chemically treating standard glass. Tempered glass is stronger than laminated glass. However, despite its’ superior durability, tempered glass can shatter on impact. 2.  Durability    While both glass types are used as "safety glasses" for cars , homes,...
Read more