Did you know that the average person will have around twenty-seven windshield cracks by the time they turn fifty? You might think this is because of things like gravel roads, but it’s actually just due to normal wear and tears. And if you’re anything like me, then you also hate getting new windshields put in your car! I don’t know about you, but I find it pretty annoying having to leave my vehicle at a shop all day while someone glues on another layer of glass.
Why windshield cracks are dangerous?
Most people may think that a small crack in the windshield does not have any adverse effects on the car, but this is wrong. In fact, a minor crack can cause fatal accidents if not handled properly.
A crack in a car windshield can cause different sorts of issues for a driver. Some of these effects are:
#1 Effect: Increase Glaring in Windshield
Glaring in a windshield is caused due to a spider web type crack or a hairline crack. Glare is caused when light coming from a vehicle in front of you gets distributed in constituent colors like in a rainbow. It hinders driver view and can cause accidents at night.
#2 Effect: Improper Airbag Deployment
The pressure generated during airbag opening is cushioned by a car windscreen. Crack make the windshield weak at the spot and decrease its ability to support airbag deployment. A large windshield crack may also cause injury during airbag deployment.
#3 Effect: Compromised Structural Strength
The windshield is not an ornamental part that only adds to car aesthetics, it supports the car’s roof and adds to overall structural strength. A cracked windshield doesn’t have enough strength to hold the roof in case the car roll-over.
How to avoid windshield cracks?
Having a crack in your windshield is never fun. It makes it difficult to see and can also cause damage to the interior of your car when it rains or snows. There are several different types of cracks that you may encounter with your windshield, but they can all be prevented by following some simple steps.
1. Avoid Driving Close To A Truck Or Keep Distance
This is one of the most common and serious mistakes that a driver makes on road. It can lead to a fatal accident also, trucks often flick stones and debris from the road which can damage your car windshield.
While driving on a highway, keep an adequate distance from trucks carrying building materials. Also, trucks and other commercial vehicles like buses need to have mud flaps to stop debris from throwing on the rear vehicles, if a truck or bus doesn’t have a mad flap avoid following it on a damaged highway.
2. Avoid Highways And Damaged Roads
Though it’s not always possible to follow, yet it is advised to avoid highways and damaged roads whenever possible. Main highways are used by commercial vehicles to transport heavy industrial and construction material. There is always a possibility that small pieces of metal or stone or debris may fall from these trucks on the road, that can hit your car. It can damage your car’s paint as well as can cause a crack in the windscreen.
3. Avoid Exposure to Extreme weather conditions
Glass is an amorphous solid prone to damage under extreme temperature changes. Sudden changes in temperature or pressure can cause cracks in the car windshield. You may have faced an awkward situation where you have parked your car outside clear of buildings and trees, yet when you returned you have found a crack in your car’s windshield. You must be wondering how a crack develops in-car windscreen without a reason. The reason the cars overheating create an air pressure from inside, which results in a crack. To avoid windshield cracks due to sudden weather changes, park your vehicle indoors whenever possible.
4. Avoid Parking Your Car Under A Tree Or A Building
Parking under a tree or near a building during hot weather is a common sight. But you must be careful as something may fall from the tree or any of the flat unintentionally. Drivers parking under palm trees often complain regarding windshield cracks, it is very common in coastal states.
5. Protect Windshield From Hailstorm
A hailstorm is one of the most damaging natural disasters. It can be very dangerous for cars, houses, commercial buildings, etc. hail storms can be very harmful to a car’s windshields. The sheer speed of ice humps or balls even smaller in size has enough momentum to crack a windshield. If your area is prone to hailstorms, you should always park your car indoor to avoid hailstorms hitting your car’s windscreen.
6. Use Windscreen Protection Film
You may have seen many car drivers use a protective film on car windshields to reduce cabin heat during hot summers. It also prevents UV rays from entering inside the car. But due you know windscreen protection film also prevent windshield cracks. It acts as a buffer between car glass small pebbles or flower buds and can increase the probability of glass taking the impact. Premium car owners like Mercedes, Audi, or BMW also used windscreen protection film while parking outside to protect thermal stress cracks to develop and prevent damage to the car interiors.
7. Cover the damage with tape
If your windscreen got hit with a small pebble or a flower bud, one thing that you must do is to cover the crack immediately with transparent tape. It will stop the dust deposit into the crack and will help you to get it repaired before it expands.
8. Repair Small Cracks In Time
Another way to avoid large windshield cracks in automotive glass is to repair small cracks in time. Most people don’t know that small cracks up to 3 inches in size are repairable or sometimes people tend to overlook small cracks. This results in cracks spreading and hence there will be no option remaining except a new glass replacement.
9. Use Expert Car Glass Replacement Service
One major reason for windshield crack is poor glass installation. So, if you are looking for a new car glass replacement you should always look for an expert glass replacement company. Use of good quality material, correct tools, and an experienced glass technician are key to a quality windshield replacement. It will help you avoid unnecessary windshield cracks in your car.
Conclusion: Windshield Store is a leading automotive glass replacement and repair company in India, to get more information get in touch with our store manager at +91-9278783578 or visit our store today! In this article, we have provided you with some useful tips that will help prevent the formation of windshield cracks and keep your car looking good for longer. If you are looking for a new car windshield check out the most important things to consider.