As anyone who has had a rock or other piece of debris hit their windshield will attest, minor stars and cracks in the glass rarely stay minor. If you don’t bring your vehicle into an auto glass shop quickly, a tiny fracture may soon grow into a hazardous fissure stretching across the front of your car. Below are some factors that cause windshield cracks to spread and become safety hazards.

5 Conditions That Worsen Windshield Cracks

1. Bumps & Jolts

Speed bumps, potholes, sudden braking, and even the slamming of a car door can further damage the fragile glass. If you notice a crack, handle your car with care until you have the opportunity to bring it to an auto glass repair shop.

2. Moisture

Windshields consist of two glass pieces sandwiching a layer of vinyl. A small breach will allow water and moisture can seep in and cause further damage and jeopardize the structural integrity of your windshield.

3. Extreme Heat or Cold

Heat from sun exposure will cause fissures to grow. The perimeter of the windshield itself warms more quickly than the middle, so dings in the corner are most vulnerable in the sun. Keep your vehicle in the shade until you can get it repaired. Sudden exposure to cold will also cause a break in the glass to spread. Do your best to avoid extreme temperatures and don’t turn air conditioning or heat too high.

4. Dirt & Debris

Similar to moisture, dirt and debris can make its way into crevices and cause them to expand. If you can’t bring your vehicle to an auto glass shop immediately, cover the damaged area with clear tape or nail polish.

Whether your windshield has a tiny chip or a giant crack, the team at Auto Glass Experts in Hastings, NE can repair or replace it with exceptional speed. That’s why they’ve become the go-to auto glass shop in the Tri-City area and South Central Nebraska. They perform rock chip repairs, windshield replacements, and services for heavy equipment windows. They understand how quickly a small imperfection can grow, so they also offer mobile auto glass repair services. Give them a call at (402) 463-0025 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.