Is it serious if a small stone hits the windshield and causes a crack?
2 Answers
It is serious. The crack in the glass will continue to grow, affecting visibility while driving. Below is relevant information about car windshields: Introduction: The automobile industry and the glass industry belong to two different fields, the former being part of mechanical manufacturing and the latter part of light industry. However, from the perspective of automotive development, the relationship between the two has become increasingly close. Glass technology has fully integrated into the automotive industry, becoming an indispensable part of automotive technology. History: As early as over 80 years ago, glass was widely installed on Ford's Model T cars. At that time, flat glass was mounted at the front of the cabin to protect drivers from wind and rain. In the decades that followed, the glass industry gradually became involved in the automotive sector, creating various types of safety glass—laminated glass, tempered glass, and zone-tempered glass—greatly improving the performance of automotive glass.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I must emphasize that windshield cracks are a serious matter that demands immediate attention. Even a small crack can rapidly expand due to daily vibrations, wind pressure, or temperature fluctuations. Once it grows into a major fracture, it severely compromises driving visibility and may suddenly shatter, creating critical safety hazards. I've had personal experience with this – initially neglecting a small crack led to spider-web-like spreading within weeks, making highway driving terrifying until I urgently replaced the entire windshield, narrowly avoiding an accident. My advice: stop using the vehicle immediately and visit a professional auto glass repair shop. Small cracks can usually be fixed with resin injection at minimal cost – what matters most is not compromising road safety. Additionally, avoid applying pressure on the damaged area and refrain from using windshield wipers/washer fluid to prevent further damage.
