Next time you are driving around here in Colorado, take a look at the cars around you. In fact, pay particular attention to their windshields. We are willing to bet that you will see a lot of cracked windshields. And, as we get deeper into winter, they’ll be even more common. In fact, if you managed to escape last winter without a crack, you are very lucky as most cars over their lifespan go through a couple of windshield replacements. As your auto body repair experts, we put together some information on what causes cracks and preventing cracked windshields.
Common Causes of Cracked Windshields
Here in Colorado, the biggest culprit of cracked windshields is skiing.
Well, not skiing per se, but it is more about driving on roadways that get covered with gravel and sand to help increase traction during snowstorms. Sand and gravel mixtures are used a great deal in the high country, especially on mountain passes. The gravel easily gets caught in car tires and then gets slung out of the tread. And oftentimes that gravel and rock comes from the car in front of you and finds its mark on your windshield.
These deep impact marks on your windshield will, unfortunately, spread and expand into a crack. This occurs as temperatures change. And, here in Colorado, rapid temperature fluctuations are typical. Even having the car sit out at night and then later having it sit in direct sunlight, can create enough heating on the glass to create expansion. Or, if suddenly warm water is put on a cold windshield from; for example, a car wash, the divot will expand. Or, if it is hot and you suddenly blast the cool AC on the windshield, that can also create expansion and contraction.
Windshield Crack Prevention
Preventing windshield cracks are not easy. With our snow storms and use of gravel, you cannot make your windshield gravel proof. Adding a bug guard to the front of your hood can help as it can deflect rocks, but some will still find their way to your windshield.
The best way to prevent windshield cracks is to simply increase your following distance from the car in front of you, especially when driving on a road that has gravel and sand on it. This will give gravity a little more time to push the gravel down before it can collide into your windshield. Also, this is just good and common sense when driving in winter conditions.
Lastly, a lot of gravel kick up occurs when the car in front of you is accelerating from a stop, especially if it is a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. So, even when stopped, you will want to ensure there is more room between you and the car in front of you should their rear tires spin and kick up gravel.
How to Use This Information
We do hope this helps you when it comes to preventing windshield cracks. The best way to do this is keeping a little more distance from the car in front of you. And, it will help you avoid accidents. But, if you do happen to have an accident, we can help get your car looking and running like new. If you find yourself in need of auto body repair, please give us a call at 303-344-2212 or schedule an estimate appointment online.
I got a crack in my windshield, and I’m not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get a professional to help me out with this. They would have the experience to fix this kind of thing without needing to replace anything.
I got a crack in my windshield, and I’m not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get a professional to help me out with this. They would have the experience to fix this kind of thing without needing to replace anything.