Common Causes of Windscreen Damage

Windscreen plays a pivotal role in driver and passenger safety. It provides 34% of the structural integrity of your car and a correctly fitted windscreen is essential for the proper deployment of airbags. Windscreen damage at some point during the life of your car is inevitable.

How do windscreens get chipped or cracked?

Let us examine the most common causes of windscreen damage and how to avoid them.

1. Road Debris

Rocks, stones, pebbles, and gravel thrown up by other car tires are among the most frequent causes of windscreen damage. These small, hard projectiles traveling at speed can easily impact your windscreen and cause the glass to chip or crack. Leaving ample space between your car and the vehicle in front will reduce the chances of this happening.

2. Bad weather

Ever-changing weather is a common cause of windscreen damage. Tree branches and other debris blown by high winds can cause the same type of damage as stones or hailstones. If you have a garage or other covered parking space, it might be a good idea to use it during stormy weather.

3. Sudden changes in temperature

A lesser-known cause of windscreen damage is a sudden rapid change in temperature, which can cause the glass to contract or expand.

4. Poor installation or glass quality

Stress cracks can also affect a windscreen as a result of structural weakness in the glass itself. These fractures often first appear around the edges of the windscreen, which is the area most prone to cracking and can also be caused by incorrect installation.

5. Collisions

This brings us to our final common cause of windscreen damage: accidents and collisions. These can range from traffic accidents involving two or more vehicles to drivers accidentally hitting an animal on the road. In case of such incidents, contact Blue Diamond Auto Glass for professional assistance with your windshield repair or replacement.