Despite its durability, auto glass is not impervious to damage. Various factors can compromise the integrity of your vehicle’s glass, from minor chips and cracks to extensive fractures.
Understanding the common causes of auto glass damage is essential in preventing further deterioration and ensuring your safety on the road. Here are five common causes of auto glass damage, shedding light on the culprits behind those frustrating chips, cracks, and breaks.
1. Extreme Weather
Extreme temperatures, such as below-freezing weather or high heat, can cause stress on the auto glass and sometimes cause cracks, especially if left exposed to these temperatures over a long period. This strain causes the glass to expand and contract, which leads to warping, cracks, and chip. Distortion of the glass can also weaken the seal between the glass and the vehicle frame, creating an opening for air and water to penetrate.
Sunrays can also damage auto glass. Over time, the glass might get hazy and yellowed from prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light. In addition, the auto glass’s structural integrity might degrade from expanding and contracting due to the sun’s heat, leaving it more vulnerable to chips and cracks.
Additionally, damage to a car’s windshield, side windows, or sunroof is possible after a hailstorm. Small hail can create dents, chips, and scratches, while huge hail can crack and shatter windshields. Hail can smash against windows even more effectively when strong winds are present.
2. Accidents
Vehicle accidents occur for several reasons, including excessive speed, poor weather or road conditions, inadequate visibility, irresponsibility, or mechanical failure (such as a faulty brake system or a blown tire). The auto glass can easily be damaged in a collision due to the force of the impact.
Damage is typically proportional to the event’s intensity, but even little incidents can have far-reaching consequences. Laminated windshields in particular can lessen the impact and spread of breaking. Therefore, modern car glass can withstand impacts. However, in hazardous situations, no safeguards are foolproof.
3. Debris
Auto glass is susceptible to damage by debris, including chips, scratches, cracks, and cloudiness. Damage to car windows frequently occurs due to sand from gravel roads, which can chip and etch the glass over time. Chips and cracks can also be caused by flying debris from other vehicles when driving in wet and hazy conditions.
Also, rocks and stones might get caught in a tire from the car in front of you when driving on unpaved roads and fly back at your car. And tree branches and other debris that might fall from great heights can cause extensive damage to a vehicle’s glass.
Drivers can lessen their chance of being involved in such accidents by staying on paved roads and maintaining a safe following distance. Parking far from trees and buildings can help protect you from falling debris.
4. Incorrect Installation
Poor-quality glass from an unreliable or unknown supplier may contribute to a botched installation. The structural integrity of poor-quality glass is often lower than that of higher-quality items, making it more susceptible to shattering upon impact.
Incorrect glass installation is another common problem. Vibrations add strain to the glass, which may trigger small cracks to expand and eventually produce a larger fracture or worse if the glass fails to fit snugly, with all components fitted properly.
5. Corrosion and Abrasion
Corrosive and abrasive chemicals can etch or scratch glass, which will likely lead to auto glass damage. Corrosive substances such as acid rain cause glass etching. Steel or other abrasive scouring utensils on your windshield can leave serious and permanent damage.
Contact us at Best Collision for auto glass and other auto body repair services. We serve most major cities in Texas.
