You’ve done everything: you have avoided bumpy roads, steered clear of potholes, and closed your car doors gently. And yet, there’s a crack in your windshield. Under those conditions, we can see why you would ask yourself if windshields crack on their own. Well, in today’s post, we provide an answer.
Do Windshields Crack on Their Own?
The short answer is no, windshields do not crack on their own. Even if sometimes it may appear that they do, there’s always an underlying reason for it. Let’s take a look at some of the most common.
Temperature Changes
As is the case with most materials, heat causes the glass to expand; conversely, the cold contracts it. Of course, this happens at a molecular level, so any abrupt change of temperature can contribute to windshield cracks that seem to appear on their own. This happens, for example, when you suddenly blast your car’s AC on a hot day or when you pour warm water on a frozen windshield to defrost it.
Edge Cracks
Temperature is also the culprit of another type of windshield cracks that seem to come from nowhere: edge cracks. These cracks happen on really hot days, when the metal surrounding the windshield gets really hot. Here, some of that heat is transferred to the edges of the windshield while the rest of the glass isn’t as hot. This difference in temperature causes edge cracks to appear.
Poor Installation
The final type of windshield crack on our list is caused not by changes in temperature but by faulty installation or materials. When you use your car, your windshield is exposed to all kinds of pollutants, vibrations, and stresses. If your windshield isn’t properly installed, it won’t take long for cracks to appear.
That’s why a professional windshield installation matters. At Inland Empire Autobody & Pain, we have the experience and drive to deliver only results of the highest quality. Contact us today to learn more about our services or get a quote!
Inland Empire Autobody & Paint: The Best in Southern California
At Inland Empire Autobody & Paint Inc., we are a family-owned business specializing in collision repair, windshield care, and custom paint jobs. We have locations in Riverside and Moreno Valley, California.
Call us (951-465-7350). Contact us through our website or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about our full range of services.