Yikes, where did that crack come from on my windshield?
The summer heat is finally here and on these hot days, it is important to watch how your use of water affects your car, especially your windshield.
Hot weather can be the cause for auto glass replacement* for many reasons. People travel more in the summer for vacations. This can make it more likely for windshields to get cracks and chips. Cold water on a hot windshield can cause the glass to expand and contract, sometimes resulting in breakage. This is not the fault of the car wash or the car owner it is a simple fate of a law of nature.
The risk of a crack spreading in auto glass increases dramatically if you have a rock chip on your windshield. It is imperative to have small cracks repaired as quickly as possible by an auto glass professional. Repairs take about 15 minutes to do and most insurance companies will waive your deductible and take care of it at no cost to you.
Here are some hot weather care tips to help prevent a cracked windshield:
- Get rock chips repaired right away! Heat, road vibrations, even temperature, and pressure changes can cause the smallest rock chip to spread.
- Park your car in the shade. The baking sun is the biggest culprit for windshields cracking out during the summer. Keep your car parked in the shade until the windshield is repaired. It is also a good idea to keep several windows rolled down about half an inch to reduce the internal temperature of your car.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes. Avoid cold water in the heat of the day. Don’t blast your ice-cold A/C directly on the hot windshield. The sudden temperature changes can cause small chips and microscopic cracks or flaws to start cracking.
- Don’t slam your doors. Damage, such as a rock chip, causes a weak spot in your windshield. Slamming the car door causes a sudden pressure change that might cause the rock chip to spread.
Please Note: Factors that can’t be controlled by Car Pool Car Washes contribute to the spreading of cracks in glass, for these reasons, Car Pool Car Wash will not be responsible for the repair of cracks in auto glass.
*Sources: Bill’s Glass, Jack’s Glass Shop