Most vehicle owners take their windshields for granted until they receive damage and need to be repaired or replaced. Auto glass is extremely strong and durable enough to protect drivers from the weather, wind, and debris, but it isn’t unbreakable. Consider these common ways you might experience glass damage and need replacement or repairs.

5 Reasons Windshields Sustain Damaged

1. Collisions

The most common reason windshields and other vehicle glass need to be replaced or repaired is because of a car accident involving heavy impact. The extent of damage to your windshield can tell a body shop a lot about the rest of the car’s condition, too. For example, if auto glass shatters upon impact, it could suggest the vehicle’s frame is bent.

2. Road Debris

It’s difficult to avoid being hit by a random piece of rock while driving, but drivers can keep safe distances between cars to lower the chances of their windshields being struck by road debris. If glass is struck by gravel or other small objects, it usually produces a small chip or crack, which can spread over time to become more severe. Having it repaired immediately can save you from having to get a total replacement later.

3. Hail

Severe weather can cause damage to a vehicle’s body, including its windshield. Hail is especially destructive, causing cracks and chips when the hail is golfball-sized or larger. Hailstones can have as much impact on the glass as stones or rocks. Parking your vehicle inside a garage or beneath a shelter is the best way to protect it from damaging weather, so pull over and find cover if the weather predictions are calling for hail. 

4. Poor Installation

Auto glass must be installed so the windshield has a tight and secure fit, or it can shift while you’re driving, causing air and water leaks. The quality of glass can also affect how vulnerable a windshield is to impacts. Make sure your windshield is installed by a certified technician experienced in repairs and replacement.

5.  Changes in Temperature

Glass contracts when it’s cold and expands in warm temperatures. Gradual changes in air pressure and temperature have little effect on your windshield, but sudden, drastic changes can make existing damage worse. If the glass has suffered stress fractures or chips, that damage can suddenly expand into a spiderweb-like formation when temperature or weather pressure changes rapidly.

Whether you need windshield repair or need a new windshield entirely, drivers in Marion County, OR, can depend on Woodburn Radiator and Glass for quality installation, repairs, or replacements when their auto glass is damaged. Featuring competitive rates, this auto repair company offers commercial and residential glass services along with high-quality radiator installation and repairs. Call (503) 982-3421 or visit them online to schedule a free quote today.