It’s easy to ignore those tiny chips or cracks in your windshield because they don’t seem like a priority. However, once fall comes around, that could completely change. Due to many reasons, fall is considered the one of the most damaging seasons for your windshield.
Follow-up to Travel and Storm Season
The most common cause for windshield damage is debris or rocks hitting the windshield while driving. Since summertime is the most popular time for people to take long road trips, that means the chances of your windshield suffering a chip or crack are higher. Plus, hail occurs most commonly during summer storms, and they can leave damage on all parts of your car. Then, as you continue to drive in rain or shine, moisture can get into the small damage you overlooked.
Freeze-Thaw Effect
The moisture in those small cracks or chips will start to expand and contract with the fluctuating temperature. Since the fall can see a wide variety of hot days and a taste of what’s to come in winter, it’s prime time for damage. On a warm day when your car is parked in the sun, the glass will expand slightly, which can put more pressure on any existing damage. The same can happen on a cold day when the glass contracts. As those temperature swings continues, the damage in your windshield can get worse.
Worsening Damage
Another reason people may forgo repair on small damage is because of its placement. A crack or chip in a driver’s line of sight risks their visibility, so a complete repair is always recommended in those instances. However, if the damage occurs on the passenger side, they might deprioritize a repair even if it’s inevitable. A worsening crack will mostly likely spread across most of the shield, which often puts it in the driver’s line of sight. When that happens, a complete windshield replacement is necessary. Getting to the damage when it’s only a small chip means you could get away with a simple repair instead of replacement.
When you’re dealing with damage to your vehicle, you want to hire auto body experts you can trust. Superior Collision Center has all the certifications and has been serving the Twin Cities metro since 1982.