The windshield is one of the most essential components of the car, giving your car about 34% of its structural integrity. Even a minor chip or crack can cause the entire windshield to get damaged. This can impair your vision while driving, leading to road accidents. A properly fitted windshield also plays a vital role in deploying the airbags on impact. So here are some common reasons for windshield damage you should look out for, to ensure your safety and that of your passengers.

Road Debris

While driving at high speed, small pebbles, gravel or rocks fly off the road and create cracks and scratches on the windshield. This usually happens when you’re driving too close to another vehicle; the debris on the road gets thrown up by the tires of another car. These rocks and pebbles fly in projectile motion at full speed causing your windshield to crack or chip upon impact. Even a small chip in the glass can worsen over time, causing the entire windshield to shatter. So, while driving, make sure not to drive too close to another car or lorry, and to drive at slow speed on unpaved roads and near construction sites.

Poor Glass Quality or Installation

  Stress cracks are another cause for a damaged windshield. These small cracks appear on the edge of the windshield’s glass due to structural weakness and can grow into larger ones if not fixed in time. Two main reasons for stress cracks are the incorrect installation of a windshield or using poor quality glass. When getting your windshield replaced, make sure it’s correctly installed by a professional and only use glass manufactured to meet OEM standards.

Collision

  A head-on collision can result in extensive damage to the windshield, often shattering it. Minor accidents such as hitting a bird, an animal or a ball can also cause small cracks or chips to appear. If not fixed on time, these small chips can become fully-fledged cracks. Driving recklessly can also damage your windscreen. Driving at full speed, and suddenly hitting the brakes, builds too much pressure on the glass, causing it to crack.   Windshield plays a major part in ensuring safety while driving. Even a minor crack or chip can spider web out, if not fixed. To get your car’s windshield repaired or replaced, get in touch with our experienced technicians in Houston, at AAR Auto Glass. Contact us at 832.303.0318 for more information.