1. My Windshield Keeps Fogging Up

Ever had your windshield break for no apparent reason?Well, glass doesn’t really break “for no reason.” There could be several causes for your windshield cracking, breaking or shattering. Let’s take a look at some of the more common ones.There are, of course, several obvious reasons for a chip or crack in your glass – flying grave or other road debris dropped from the vehicle in front of you on the highway. In those cases, the common sense rule of not following too closely, staying alert and avoiding rides behind open-top trucks can prevent many of these glass mishaps.But what about the not-so-obvious causes? If you notice your windshield has been chipped, cracked or otherwise broken, consider these possible causes.

But more important than the cause is the correction. Take steps to have the glass repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Possible Causes of Broken Windshields Poor InstallationFactory-installed windshields usually meet a high standard of safety and construction, but sometimes a windshield isn’t installed as precisely as it should. If the glass is installed improperly, the windshield could be loose – causing vibration – or stressed, which can cause cracks. Temperature ChangesSevere temperature swings can cause glass to expand and shrink rapidly, especially when you use a defroster or even a car heater.

Also, the glass typically heats faster around the edges, so the expansion and contraction is happening at different rates, which can lead to cracks. SunlightLike temperatures, sunlight can cause the same problems. The sun’s heat on metal and other materials around the glass can cause the glass edges to expand faster than the middle of the glass and cause cracks. One way to avoid this is to keep your car in a garage or in the shade, if possible. Pressure ChangesWe’re not talking barometric pressure, but sudden pressure changes from shifting from low to high spends (or vice versa), wind gusts, or even heavy objects resting on the glass, can cause stress cracks.

HailWe’ve all seen the weather reports of hail storms, with hailstones described as “golf ball-sized” or “baseball-sized.” Hail is nothing more than a ball of ice traveling at high speed when it hits your windshield – and has the same effect striking your glass. Glass ImperfectionsIn a few very, very limited cases, the glass installed in your vehicle may have been defective.

You may not be able to make this determination, but an auto glass shop may be able to. Quality glass shops are also aware of recall notices for defects involving glass or related items.

In fact, often notifies its affiliate shops of any such recalls. How Serious is a Cracked Windshield?The Good and the BadSo the bad news is that you have an unsightly crack in your windshield. The even worse news is that you need to take time out of your day to do something about it. The good news? Having the damage fixed by a trained technician can be a quick and painless process, and for some, it’s already covered.

Plus, makes it easy by providing instant price quotes from shops in your area and you can book conveniently online in a matter of minutes.So how do you know if the damage needs to be fixed? The short answer is it almost always needs to be fixed.

Assessing the DamageDamage comes in, and every crack should be examined by a trained technician. There are two important factors that will determine if you need a repair or if you need a replacement: the size of the crack and its location. Upon examining these two things, a reputable technician will advise you on the next step to take.But one thing’s for sure, a damaged windshield is usually more serious than it appears and will more than likely require a repair, if not a replacement. The Underlying DangerYour crack may be small now and easy to ignore, but don’t put off having it fixed. One of the most common problems with cracks, if they are put to the side, is that they have the. And temperature is one of the main culprits for this. Fluctuating temperatures can cause the glass to expand and contract which can worsen the problem.A crack in your windshield already has likely weakened its structural integrity, which can leave you and your passengers vulnerable in the event of an accident, so why wait for the problem to worsen?

Don’t HesitateA damaged windshield can be a serious problem and can put you at risk to injury or harm. So don’t wait to have a technician repair or replace your windshield.

If you’re not sure where to find a reputable technician, offers instant price quotes from shops in your area.© 2019 Glass.com Inc. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without expressed written permission.

My Windshield Keeps Fogging Up

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Windshield repairs can be a hassle, especially if you put off fixing the damage. A windshield crack can get bigger and impossible to repair over time, so it’s best to seek repairs as soon as the damage occurs.Avoiding road conditions that can lead to windshield damage is the safest and most convenient option. We have provided a list of potentially hazardous conditions below in order to make you aware of what to look out for while driving to help prevent a windshield crack.Top 10 Reasons Windshields Crack. Gravel Roads - Debris from gravel roads as well as gravel itself can fly up and hit your windshield.

Keep a safe distance when driving behind other vehicles on gravel surfaces and avoid driving on unpaved roads if at all possible. Driving Behind Construction Vehicles - Construction vehicles, like gravel roads, often have dirt, debris and other materials in and around their load. It is best to keep a safe distance when driving behind these trucks or switch lanes if you can. Poor Glass Construction - If your windshield was manufactured with poor quality glass, as some are, even the slightest stressor can cause it to crack.

You will need to have the glass replaced with a higher quality material when seeking repairs. Poor Installation - If your windshield was installed improperly or does not fit the frame of your vehicle, it can become loose and be a serious safety hazard. Accelerating at high speeds on the expressway will cause it to vibrate in the frame, resulting in possible damage. Repositioning or replacement will fix this problem. Accidents - If you live in an apartment complex or a neighbourhood with teens or young children who run and play ball outside, it’s likely that a ball or frisbee may come hurdling toward your vehicle on some unlucky day, causing damage to the windshield, not to mention to the body of your car.

Parking in your garage, if possible, is a sound and precautionary solution. Temperature Changes - Extreme temperatures and sudden fluctuations from hot to cold can cause stress to the glass, resulting in a windshield crack. Be wary of the temperature in your area and use tactics such as slowly warming up your defroster as well as not parking in direct sunlight in order to prevent damage. Sunlight - Similar to the caveat above, heat causes the outer edges of your auto glass to expand faster than the centre of that same glass.

This will cause it to crack and require repairs or a full replacement. To avoid this situation, simply park your car out of direct sunlight or in a garage, if possible. Pressure Changes - Stress cracks occur when pressure fluctuates. This kind of damage can be caused by travelling at extremely high speeds, from objects pushing up against the windshield and the least likely, but still possible, from nearby explosions. Hail - Hail causes chips and cracks in your front windshield by hitting the glass head-on at high speeds with immense force. Drive slower or pull off the road if it starts to hail to prevent damage. Debris from Parking Under Trees - Nuts, broken branches and other hard objects can come hurdling toward your windshield if you park under a tree.

It may seem like a good idea to park under a tree as it is a shaded area, but this leaves your windshield vulnerable to falling objects. To avoid chips or cracks, consider leaving your car in a parking garage.The front glass is a core component of the structural frame and performance of your vehicle, deeming windshield safety critical. A crack or chip that is larger than the size of a quarter will require a full windshield replacement, whereas minor damage can often be repaired. It is also important to note the location of the damage on your front glass because a crack in the driver’s line of vision may also warrant a replacement.Consult with an auto glass expert to help you assess the extent of the damage and get recommendations on how to proceed with repairs. Sometimes the damage is unavoidable, and in those cases, Glass America offers free convenient mobile service and a lifetime warranty on all windshield repairs and replacements. Call the Best in Auto Glass today!