The windshield is one of the more delicate parts of your car, so take steps to protect it. No method is perfect, but you can adjust driving habits to minimize the need for a windshield replacement or repair. Below, learn more about the sources of chips and cracks and how you can avoid them.

Common Sources of Cracked Auto Glass

1. Low-Quality Replacements

If you’ve had to replace your windshield before, your provider may have used cheaper aftermarket parts. If they did, or if they installed the material incorrectly, you may be at a higher risk for breakage. A loose fit in the frame can cause damaging vibrations, and weak glass is more susceptible to chipping and cracking. If you need a windshield replacement, choose a high-quality auto glass company.

2. Drastic Temperature Shifts

Some drivers might try to defrost their windshield quickly during the winter by pouring boiling water on it. This takes care of the ice, but it also introduces a sudden shift in temperature to the glass, causing the glass to expand. This drastic change could shatter it, leading to a full windshield replacement. Instead, gradually warm or cool your car if it has been in extreme temperatures.

3. Road Debris

No matter how careful you are, sometimes the windshield ends up chipped because the car is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Car wheels can throw up rocks and other pieces of road debris and chip the windshield. Reduce the likelihood of this by maintaining a safe following distance from other cars, and avoid driving behind trucks carrying gravel or rocks.

Drivers in Troy, MO, can count on the professionals at The Auto Glass Company for everything from minor chip repairs to full auto glass replacements. This locally owned and operated business uses the top resins, adhesives, and auto glass providers to ensure a long-lasting result. To learn more about a windshield replacement or repair, visit their website or call (636) 697-7222.