4 Factors That May Be Causing Cracks And Premature Wear And Tear On Your Car Windshield
Modern windshields do more than just protect car occupants from UV rays, wind, and flying debris. They also house advanced sensors and systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. According to research, these systems have reduced bodily injury claims by up to 27%. Unfortunately, cracks and chips on the windshield can affect the reliability of safety sensors, increasing the risk of accidents. If you have a damaged windshield, it's crucial to replace it to boost safety while driving.
However, besides replacing a damaged windshield, you should also identify the causative factors of glass damage to avoid future repair costs. Therefore, as you plan to replace your cracked car windshield, watch out for these factors that may have caused the damage.
Improper Post-Repair Care
Have you repaired your car windshield recently? During the repair process, the cracks and chips are filled with resin material. The resin must cure properly without shrinking. If it shrinks, the cracks or chips will spread, leading to extensive windshield damage. Curing issues occur due to poor post-repair care. Below are some habits that may cause extensive windshield damage after repairs:
- Placing heavy items on the windshield
- Cleaning the windshield with a pressure washer
- Parking the vehicle in extreme heat or cold
- Banging car doors
- Driving on bumpy or unpaved roads
If your windshield has a larger crack than it did before repair, it didn't cure correctly. Failure to fix this problem can increase the risk of vision problems and avoidable crashes. Replace your worn windshield to avoid these hazards. After replacing the glass, allow it to cure correctly by avoiding the above habits.
Exposure to External Stress
Windshields are tough, but just like any other glass, they don't perform well under pressure. Therefore, if you expose the glass to external stress, it may crack or wear. For example, if you leave your vehicle in direct sunlight on a hot day, the windshield will get hot. If you enter the car and blast the air-con immediately, the glass may crack or shatter due to thermal shock.
Below are other external factors that can stress your windshield and cause it to crack:
- Using hot water to de-ice a frozen windshield
- Exposing your vehicle to hailstorms
- Using abrasive products to wipe windshield glass
These stressors leave minor scratches and pits, which gradually become large cracks. If your windshield is severely damaged due to thermal shock, hail, or abrasion, replacing it is the most viable long-term solution.
Worn Wiper Blades
The lifespan of your car's wiper blades depends on exposure to sunlight, environmental factors, and cleaning habits. Nevertheless, wiper blades have a limited lifespan, and they aren't meant to last as long as the vehicle. Over time, the spongy blades wear out, causing metal-on-glass contact. Since the wiper blades are designed to press firmly against the glass, they can scratch the windshield during operation. Below are signs you have worn wiper blades:
- Screeching sounds during operation
- Chipped or missing rubber
- Streaks on the glass
- Poor contact between the blades and the glass
- Bent wiper frames
Extensive wiper blade damage on the glass may necessitate windshield replacement. Replace the worn blades as well to prolong the lifespan of the new glass.
Poor Driving Habits
Poor driving habits are a primary cause of windshield damage. These habits include:
- Driving closely behind loaded dump trucks: Flying debris from loaded dump trucks can hit your windshield and cause cracks and pits. If you often drive behind these trucks, you may notice gradual wear on the glass.
- Driving at high speed on gravel roads: Gravel roads have loose materials that fly in the air when hit at high speed. Speeding on such roads can cause debris to damage your windshield.
Flying gravel and debris can cause deep pits and large cracks on your windshield. Adopt good driving habits to protect the glass from damage.
Is your car windshield cracked, chipped, or pitted? The above factors may be responsible for the damage. Contact an auto repair shop for windshield replacement.