TOP FIVE CAUSES OF WINDSCREEN CRACKS

 

Windscreen cracks are one of the automobile problems every car owner would not want to experience. Infact, a lot of people (if not everyone) dislike cracks on their gadgets (phones, ipads, ipods, Laptops e.t.c). Most times, the windscreen don’t show any immediate sign of crack but the next day, the crack can become  lengthened across the entire screen and even distort the driver’s view. This brings a major concern to the car owner and hence there is a need to know the major causes of these cracks on the screen. Here are the top five (5) major causes of windscreen cracks or chips.

 

1. WEATHER CONDITION

 

Weather condition is a major factor to consider when examining the cause of a windscreen crack, and it can either be due to extreme cold or direct sunlight. Changes in temperature can expand and contrast the windscreen continuously, so much so that small cracks appear on the length of the screen. Moisture can cause large cracks to expand at a faster rate. This can happen for instance when an icy windscreen is defrosted using hot water.

Also, direct sunlight is also a major cracking factor because intense heat can fracture the windscreen or distort the shape of the glass. To avoid this, either park your car in the shade or place a sunshade inside the car to block the direct sunlight from causing damage to your windscreen.

2. STONES AND ROAD PEBBLES

One of the common causes of cracking in windscreens is little stones that are thrown in front of the driver. This happens most times when roads are under construction and have loose stones or pebbles on the motorway or when big trucks carrying sands overtake and drop little stones in the process which hits the windscreen of the car behind, (although it may not be noticed at that spot, it can at the long run cost the car owner a new windscreen). To avoid this, it is important to reduce your speed, especially when another overtaking.

 

3. MOTHER NATURE

Adverse weather is another cause of windscreen chips. Thunderstorms or strong wind can blow the debris from the road and send them flying towards the on-coming car windscreen. Thunderstorms, lightnings, strong winds and hail causes weather-related damage to the car so it is advisable to avoid driving in a storm or heavy rain and park your car if possible in a covered area in order to prevent it from getting damaged.

4. STRUCTURAL WEAKNESS

Windscreens play a vital role in a vehicle’s safety system. They support the roof in case of an accident, as well as deflect the airbags in the passenger side upon accident. This is why windscreens are installed using a strong adhesives, however, structural pressure can cause them to crack. This depends on the quality of the glass and the manufacturing process or if peradventure the screen has been changed before and it’s not well fixed, they tend to wear out after a short period. This is why the edges of the windscreens are the weakest and more prone to breakage.

5. DIRECT IMPACT

This is another cause of windscreen crack or damage. Infact it tend to be the most difficult to avoid because it is unpredicted by the driver. Accidents can happen at any time, and depending on how severe the auto-crash is, the windscreen may get either cracked or even shattered as a result. Another direct impact can be from animals on the road; a flying bird or other wildlife hitting the car can be responsible for cracking your vehicle’s glass.

IN CONCLUSION, it is important to try to prevent any factor that can cause crack or damage to windscreens as prevention is better than cure and if peradventure you discover any little crack on your screen as some factors for windscreen cracks cannot be avoided even when you have tried your best to prevent them, please visit your glass specialist.

 

 

Compiled By:

     Femi Esan

(Tokunbocars.NG)