Are you wondering when is time for a car windshield replacement? Miracle Body and Paint in San Antonio Texas explains in this blog post all you need to know about windshield replacement.
What causes cracks in the windshield?
It is not uncommon for small glass damage to go unnoticed. It is therefore very important for you to inspect your windshield so you can check for any small abrasions. These small abrasions can spread rapidly into bigger problems, like windshield cracks if not attended to. You can avoid having to do a full car windshield repair just by catching small repairs early on.
Holes, chips or cracks in the windshield glass are caused by a variety of reasons.
The most common reason is the direct impact of road gravel and rocks to your windshield. Rocks, gravel and larger stones are road hazards you may kick-up from off the road or be flung into a side lane by a passing vehicle. Over time, these small chips or holes will spread out into larger cracks, ultimately leading to a cracked windshield. This is because the small chips and holes collect moisture. If you are living in temperamental climates where weather changes drastically overnight, the water tends to expands and contracts in the hole, making the glass crack. Other windshield crack causes include manufacturer weakness, extreme temperatures and hail damage.
If a chip gets bigger, depending on the size, location and severity of the damage, you have to make a choice to have a full car windshield replacement. If the damage is any larger, or located in tough to treat areas it may be time for a full windshield replacement. Repairs can commonly be done on rock chips measuring a quarter in size, and cracks up to three inches long. Sometimes a larger windshield crack or chip can be fixed depending on the scope of the damage.
Remember that a cracked windshield limits visibility. Limited visibility is a road hazard that can lead to auto accidents or auto collisions. You can visit a reputable auto body shop like Miracle Body and Paint to have your windshield assessed.