What Causes Cracks in the Car's Front Windshield?
3 Answers
Cracks in the car's front windshield are caused by: external force impacts, check if there are any visible marks from flying stones on the vehicle. It is recommended that car owners directly go to a repair shop or 4S store to replace the windshield. Car glass mainly includes laminated glass, tempered glass, and regional tempered glass. Laminated glass involves placing a transparent adhesive plastic film between two or three layers of glass, combining the toughness of plastic with the hardness of glass, thereby enhancing the glass's resistance to breakage. Tempered glass refers to ordinary glass that has been quenched to form certain internal stresses, thereby strengthening the glass. When impacted and broken, the glass splits into small fragments with blunt edges, reducing the risk of injury to passengers.
I often encounter windshield cracks while driving, most commonly caused by small stones flying on the highway. Sometimes when overtaking, debris falling from trucks ahead can directly hit the windshield, causing cracks instantly. Extreme temperature changes can also cause damage. For example, parking under the scorching sun in summer causes the glass to expand, and then sudden cooling from heavy rain can lead to cracks. Improper installation is another reason. If the windshield is not securely fitted, prolonged driving vibrations can widen gaps and cause cracking. Glass material defects or aging issues should not be overlooked, especially for cars over five or six years old, as the edges become more fragile and prone to problems. Safety should never be taken lightly. Once a crack is noticed, avoid high-speed driving and go to a repair shop immediately for inspection. Small cracks can be repaired, while larger ones require replacement. Delaying repairs can significantly affect driving visibility and increase the risk of accidents.
Having driven for over twenty years, I've encountered windshield cracks quite often. The main causes include debris impact on the road and sudden temperature fluctuations. For instance, using a hard scraper to remove ice in winter or pouring hot water to defrost can damage the glass surface. When sealant ages and cracks, water ingress followed by freezing and expansion can also cause cracks during temperature swings. Some unexpected reasons include garage eaves' icicles falling on the glass or bird droppings slowly corroding and forming cracks. For prevention, frequent car washing to avoid dirt buildup and hiring reliable technicians during installation can help. If a crack appears, use tape to temporarily secure it and prevent spreading—don't delay repairs to save money, as shattering at high speeds is extremely dangerous.
