Stopping Windshield Cracks

Stopping windshield cracks before they start.

Anyone who has ever driven behind someone and had a rock fly back knows the dangers of debris in the roadway. Windshield glass often does not crack immediately from the impact. Instead, a flying rock usually causes a small nick or dent in the glass. Over time, however, this nick can grow and spread. You may notice small nicks and dents suddenly turn into cracks in your windshield glass. If damage to the windshield from a flying rock is a crack in the glass, car owners are quick to go to a glass repair shop. Nicks and dents, however, are often overlooked as “not a big deal.” This can be a mistake. If there is a sudden change in temperature, those nicks can spread halfway across the windshield.

Why does this happen?Different materials expand and contract at different rates. If you park your vehicle outside instead of in a garage overnight, then it is subject to a wider range of temperatures. If the metal frame contracts faster than the glass, it puts enough stress on the windshield to turn a nick or dent into a full-blown crack. Once a crack starts, the stresses continue and further breakage is almost guaranteed.It is important to routinely inspect your windshield have any small nicks or dents repaired before they grow into cracks. Never wait until a nick has spider veined because then there is a risk of the windshield shattering while you are driving. On the other hand, it is not always necessary to replace the entire windshield just because it has a nick or a crack. Having a reliable auto glass expert evaluate windshield damage is the best way to avoid unnecessary expense and ensure that your vehicle will remain safe

When choosing a Glass Repair shop, think 'Value' not just 'Price', yes, I know in these tough economic times, every dollar counts. However, that being said, please know that your windshield repair can only be repaired once! meaning if your repair person does a lousy job or rushes to get to the next job, that's it! your pretty much stuck with it. Make sure your repair company is really interested in repairing your glass and not just interested in replacing it.

Chris Sparry from Auto Glass Service, Savannah, Ga. says "you should always question your Glass company's warranty concerning repair and replacement, that's where the truth lies; If the company offers an iron clad 100% refund for failed repairs, chances are they (the glass company) is going to take time and really do a good repair. However if they (the glass company) will only refund the failed repair in the way of a discount off a new windshield; this was probably the plan all along!"

Chris and Cindy Sparry have been saving windshields since 1997. "I think we have a certain responsibility to try to save as many windshields as we can from piling up in our landfills." Says Chris Sparry.

Auto Glass Service can be reached at http://www.autoglassserviceco.com/ or at 912-508-3009