5 Common Causes of Windshield Cracks

1. Low-Quality Glass

Unscrupulous business persons try to pass off low-quality glass as high-quality windshield glass to unsuspecting drivers. This glass may have existing defects or may not meet the recommended safety standards for auto glass. 

When you have poor-quality windshield glass, any small amount of stress causes the glass to crack. The cracks happen because the glass has structural issues. Usually, you notice fractures around the edges of the low-quality glass. The fractures may spread with time. 



Be wary of technicians who offer windshield glass and installation services at prices that are below the average. Sometimes, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) glass may have defects. However, a professional technician should be able to spot the weaknesses that the manufacturer missed. 

2. Sudden Temperature Changes 

If you live in an area with sweltering days and freezing nights, the temperature variations in the day and night times take their toll on your auto glass. Glass expands and contracts at different temperatures. However, it cannot handle sudden fluctuations in temperature. 



When the temperature fluctuations in your area are extreme, they cause sudden expansion and contraction in windshield glass, which may result in cracks. 

3. Poor Installation

If the person you trust to install your vehicle's windshield does not have the appropriate training to do the job, they may botch the installation. Improper windshield installation creates safety issues for you. For instance, a loosely installed windshield will keep vibrating in the frame, which may damage it while you are on the road. 



Some signs of a poorly installed windshield include: 

• A windshield that appears wavy
• A windshield that rattles 
• Gaps between the frame and windshield 
• You feel or hear the wind rushing through the windshield 
• Water leaks around the windshield on rainy days

Call your installer and have them reinstall your windshield if you observe any of the above signs. 

4. Road Debris 

Debris, like gravel and small rocks, thrown from the road by the vehicle in front of you as you drive can hit your windshield. These small projectiles move with surprising force and speed, and if they hit your windshield hard enough, they may crack it. 

There is little you can do to prevent a random projectile from another car from hitting your windshield. However, as a precaution, keep some distance between you and the driver in front of you when driving on loose or gravelly surfaces. 



Other debris to be careful of is items on the back of open bed trucks. When you drive behind a truck with an open bed, there is a chance that whatever the truck carries may fall onto your windshield when it hits a bump. If you find yourself driving behind an uncovered truck, take the first opportunity you get to switch lanes. 

5. Collisions 

Car accidents put many parts of your vehicle at risk of breaking, and windshields are no exception. If the impact of a collision is big enough to damage your vehicle's body, there is a chance your windshield will crack. A collision with a flying ball, such as a golf ball, may also break your windshield. 

Chips and cracks on your windshield expand with time due to the temperature and vibrations as your car moves. Windshield cracks are dangerous because they may hinder your visibility while on the road, increasing your risk of accidents. Thus, it is best to replace a cracked windshield immediately with the help of a team like ours at Perfection Auto Glass.

Contact us today for high-quality replacement windshields and installation services.