The tiniest little crack in one corner of a windshield starts to expand, and what seemed like practically nothing becomes a full-blown problem that often results in the need for full windshield replacement. No matter the original cause, this is a very common phenomenon, which makes it important to understand exactly why this happens. According to the commercial glass installation and auto glass replacement professionals at Rochester, NY’s FB Glass, there are a couple of factors that are usually involved.

What causes the smallest cracks in your windshield to expand? Let’s take a look:

• Extreme Temperatures: Fluctuations in temperature will aggravate a small crack, causing it grow. If you have a crack in your windshield, avoid parking in direct sunlight or blasting the heat or AC until it gets fixed.
• Debris: Another common reason that cracks like this will expand is that debris gets caught in it, slowly expanding the broken area. Unless it would interfere with your line of sight, it’s a good idea to put a piece of clear tape over the small crack.
• Water Damage: Rain water or ice can also seep into the crack and expand it.
• Jolts: Jolting and jerks associated with bumpy roads will also cause smaller cracks to expand.

Regardless of the reason that these grow, it’s important that you get the problem taken care of as soon as possible. This is where the dedicated staff at FB Glass can help. To learn more, check out their website, or call them at (585) 441-1209.