Often, our customers at Expert Windshield Repair San Diego ask if temperature changes affect their windshields. That constant line of inquiry inspired this post.
So, let’s answer the questions — the reason you are here:
- Can heat damage a windshield?
- Can cold break windshields?
Before we delve into the details, know this:
The windshield is one of the most sensitive parts of your vehicle — given that it is glass. As such, the slightest temperature change can stress the glass particles and cause it (the windshield) to crack.
Interestingly, the cracks are not the result of the change in seasons but temperature changes within and outside the vehicle.
Bottom line: there is no safe season.
Regardless, there are ways to reduce the chances of cracks in your windshield. We shall discuss some of the DIY tips in this article.
Can Heat Damage A Windshield: How? What Can You Do?
In hot seasons, if you’ve noticed, your windshield tends to appear stretched. The RIGHT word is not “stretch” but “expand.”
The increased temperature causes the glass particles to expand. And so?
Ordinarily, the expansion of the glass particles isn’t harmful. But while expanding, your windshield becomes fragile.
Now, you can’t stay in a hot car. The chances are that you’ll turn the AC to the “coolest” temperature ASAP.
Your action will cause a sharp decrease in the temperature. That, unfortunately, puts more stress on the already fragile glass, which often results in a “stress crack.”
What should you do?
Understandably, you can’t stay in a hot car. What is the use of the AC, right?
The following tips can help:
- Don’t turn your AC to the coolest at a go
- Instead, start from low to high SLOWLY
- More importantly, move the direction of vents away from your windshield
Can Cold Break Windshields: How? What Can You Do?
While there are slightly fewer car movements in the winter months, the chances of stress cracks in windshields are still high.
Fortunately, in places like San Diego, you don’t have to worry about snowfall.
Fun fact: snowfall in San Diego cities is rare. Snowfall cases in the cities in the last 125 years are not even up to 10.
Nevertheless, be wary of stress cracks. Why?
For starters, if your windshield suffers a slight fracture from the hot season, the cold weather could be the final blow to start a crack.
Pending fractures aside, colder weather contracts the glass particles in your windshield, leading to stress.
Also, you might be tempted to heat up the vehicle as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, such an action will cause more stress on the glass particles and lead to a crack.
So, what can you do?
- For starters, heat up your car slowly.
- Never use hot water to melt an ice-covered windshield. Instead, use the proper tools — such as an ice scraper.
- Always have washer fluid in your car to EASILY see out of your windshield.
- Install special wipers designed for winter months.
Overall:
ensure you fix the cracks in your windshield as soon as you find them. Of course, that is after you must have followed the tips in this article.
And about fixing the crack in your windshield, consult the right company.
Contact Windshield Repair San Diego for free estimate & auto glass consultation.
