Do you ever notice a small crack in your car’s windshield? Initially, it appears to be such a tiny issue, but for some reason, the cracks worsen and will need auto glass repair. They are worsened by temperature changes that cause the glass to expand and contract, moisture freezing within cracks, dirt accumulation, driving vibrations, slamming doors, and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Apart from these, manufacturing defects leave weak points in the windshield, which, when strained, grow to become bigger cracks.
Reasons Why Cracks Get Worse Over Time
Here are the reasons why windshield cracks worsen:
Temperature Changes
Weather conditions cause the glass to expand when it is hot and contract or shrink when it is cold. This expansion and contraction become hard on tiny cracks and worsen them. For example, you may park your car in a hot parking lot and pour cold water while washing it. The temperature change can cause the crack to grow.
Moisture and Water Seeping In
Water is another factor that expands the cracks. Whenever it rains or when you wash your car, a little water seeps into the tiny cracks on your windshield. As temperatures drop, the water expands to form ice; it behaves like an ice cube, occupying more space than the water from which it came. Finally, the ice gets pushed against the crack, making it larger. That is why you probably notice that cracks expand with cold.
Dirt and Debris
Have you ever seen how dust particles or debris in your house sometimes enter a crack? In the same way, the small particles pile up within the cracks, making them difficult to mend later. After some time, dirt exerts pressure on the crack, expanding even more.
Vibration from Driving
Your car window shakes slightly whenever you drive, even on the smoothest roads. It vibrates more whenever you cross over a bump, pothole, or uneven surface. This might cause tiny cracks in your windshield to get bigger. If you have a crack and are driving on a bumpy road, that crack might grow due to all the vibrations.
Pressure from Slamming Doors
Sometimes, the simplest actions you take aggravate your windshield cracks. You will likely displace your windshield when you forcefully shut your car doors. The speed at which you drive causes increased air pressure on the glass, making the crack more likely to expand. Whenever you reach for something inside the car, you lean slightly, putting pressure on your windshield, aggravating the crack. These little movements cause the crack to expand with time.
Sunlight Heats Things Up
Parking your car in direct sunlight presents challenges. The heat from the sun can warm your windshield, and glass expands. If your windshield glass has a crack, the expansion from heating up can cause it to stretch and grow. If you often park your car in sunlight, temperature changes can occur frequently. With each passing time and exposure, a crack can escalate into a huge problem that will require urgent auto glass repair.
Manufacturing Flaws
Sometimes, a windshield has microscopic hidden cracks or weaknesses created during manufacturing. Those weaknesses are usually very hard to see. If something stresses those weak areas—such as a quick weather change, a rock from the road, or even the pressure from opening a door—they can turn into real cracks.
Age of the Windshield
As glass can weaken with age, older windshields lose their ability to hold the windshield in place. It’s similar to a rubber band that loses its elasticity with age. As the windshield becomes more fragile, additional cracks are more likely to form, and existing ones will grow larger.
How To Prevent Cracks from Spreading
If you notice a crack in your windshield, consider these steps:
- Cover the Crack: If you see a crack, put a piece of clear tape over it. That will keep dirt and water from entering the crack until you can repair it.
- Don’t Park in Hot or Cold Places: Avoid leaving your car in hot or cold environments. If it is hot, find shade. If it’s cold, park in a garage to prevent the glass from expanding and contracting too much.
- Drive Smoothly: Drive gently and avoid bad roads with bumps and holes. These can make shakes that may crack bigger.
- Close the Car Doors Gently: Do not bang your car doors. Instead, close them quietly to minimize stress on the windscreen.
- Take It to the Expert: If your crack is minute, take your car to the expert for correction. Repairing minor cracks is cheaper and helps preserve your windscreen.
Conclusion
Windshield cracks can deteriorate for various reasons, such as temperature fluctuations that cause expansion and contraction, moisture freezing within the cracks, dirt accumulation creating pressure, vibrations from driving, and the impact of slamming doors. In addition, exposure to sunlight and manufacturing flaws can contribute to the problem. It’s crucial to address cracks promptly, take preventive measures like parking wisely, and seek professional auto glass repairs to prevent further damage.
