Protecting your car from cracked windshields is a year round battle, where any dramatic difference in temperature can lead to an expensive windshield repair. Most people are aware that when water slips into a cracked or chipped windshield, it freezes and expands, worsening the damage. But a lesser known cause of damaged windshields is when the cabin of your car and the temperature beating down on the outside differ greatly. Even extreme heat can cause the glass of your windshield to expand, spreading any existing damage. That is why it is important to act fast.
Once you notice a chip or crack, set a reminder for yourself and look into getting it repaired as soon as possible. If you are constantly busy and can’t find the time, drop off your car at your local auto body shop or your local glass repairmen. If you want to save money, there are affordable DIY kits you can buy that fill in the damage and can have the damage reversed in less than an hour.
Some more ways you can fight back against heat causing cracked windshields is by buying a windshield cover while parked in direct sunlight. This reflects a majority of the sun’s rays, keeping your windshield cool and safe from those extreme temperatures. You can also try to keep a greater distance between the car in front of you to reduce the likelihood of any rock chips that tend to start the damage.
While a small crack in your windshield isn’t means for panic, it can lead to a bigger, more expensive problem. Driving with a cracked windshield is not only unsafe, but is illegal. So, do yourself and your fellow drivers a favor by taking measures to avoid cracked windshields and take care of your at the same time.