What Causes Cracks in the Car Windshield?
3 Answers
Car windshield cracks are caused by significant temperature differences between the interior and exterior or by human factors and external vibrations. Below are specific details about the windshield: Value Retention Note: The car windshield is a vulnerable component. When reselling the vehicle, it may depreciate slightly more than before replacement, but the overall impact is not significant. However, it is important to ensure proper windshield replacement. Improper installation can pose safety hazards and negatively affect the car's value retention. Effects of Improper Installation: If the windshield is not installed correctly, the sealant on both sides may not adhere tightly to the glass, which can lead to issues. For example, during high-speed driving, wind may enter through gaps between the windshield and the car body, increasing interior noise. Additionally, when driving on bumpy roads, a noticeable rattling or impact sound may be heard from the front of the car.
After driving for so many years, I've seen quite a few windshield cracks, mainly caused by stones flying on the road, especially at high speeds. Large temperature differences can also cause problems, like when hot glass in summer cracks after being splashed with cold water. Older car glass becomes brittle with age and can crack with just a light touch. Improper installation or hard objects falling can also cause cracks. I've found that cracks must be repaired early because they can expand with the car's vibrations, which is dangerous as it obstructs vision. Small cracks can be fixed with professional resin, which is very cost-effective; large cracks require replacing the entire windshield, which is expensive but sometimes covered by insurance. For prevention, maintaining a safe distance while driving reduces stone impacts, and parking in the shade avoids thermal shocks.
I'm fascinated by car structures. Common causes of windshield cracks include physical impacts like flying stones hitting the glass, or extreme temperature changes causing uneven thermal stress, such as suddenly turning on the air conditioning on a cold winter morning after warming up the car. Aging of the glass material makes it more fragile, and installation defects can also cause cracks at stress points. I understand the principle of using UV-curing agents to repair small cracks, but the results aren't as reliable as professional repair shops. Cracks can spread quickly, turning from a small point into a line affecting visibility within just a day or two, which is especially dangerous when driving at night with impaired vision. Early treatment is crucial, and choosing an authorized repair shop ensures quality. For prevention, it's best to avoid frequent driving on gravel roads.
