Your car’s windshield is tough, but extreme temperature changes can make small cracks grow into big problems. Whether it’s cold or blazing hot outside, weather changes affect your vehicle’s glass. The current article helps you understand why windshield cracks spread in winter or how summer heat affects them.
We also share easy tips to prevent windshield damage due to temperature changes. And if you need a quick fix, Good2Go Mobile Auto Glass Repair can come to you for fast, affordable windshield repairs.
How Weather Damages Your Windshield?
Windshields are made of two layers of glass. A plastic layer lies between the glass layers. This makes them strong, but temperature changes can still cause cracks to spread. Here’s how:
1. Cold Weather Makes Cracks Grow
Ever notice how a small crack gets longer after a cold night? Here’s why:
- Glass Shrinks in the Cold – When temperatures drop, the glass contracts (gets smaller). This puts pressure on cracks, making them spread.
- Ice and Frost Make It Worse – Scraping ice off your windshield or using hot water to melt it can shock the glass. It causes cracks to expand.
- Winter Driving Hazards – Bumpy roads and potholes jolt your windshield and add stress to weak spots.
- That’s why cold weather worsens windshield cracks—the glass becomes more brittle and prone to damage.
2. Heat Also Causes Cracks to Spread
Summer creates problems for windshields:
- Glass expands in Heat – The glass expands(grows in dimensions) when it’s hot. If there’s a crack, this uneven stretching can make it grow.
- Glass Heats Unevenly – The outside of the windshield gets hotter than the inside. The resulting stress on cracks pulls them open.
- Glass Contracts with Sudden Cooling – AC is blasted on this unevenly heated windshield. The sudden temperature change or thermal shock may worsen small cracks.
The primary reason for the unexpected windshield cracks is the temperature rise during summer.
Why Do Windshield Cracks Spread Faster in Winter?
Many drivers ask, “Why does my windshield crack more in cold weather?”
The following 3 reasons explain the problem:
- Glass Weakens with Cold – Cold glass sustains damage when exposed to sudden temperature changes.
- Hot Water Causes Stress – Pouring hot water on a cold windshield shocks the glass, forcing cracks to spread.
- Snow and Ice Removal Can Damage It – Rough scraping or hitting the glass to break ice can turn small chips into long cracks.
A tiny chip that stays small in mild weather can quickly turn into a big crack when winter hits.
How to Prevent Windshield Cracks from Worsening
The good news? You can prevent windshield cracks from spreading with these easy tips:
- Fix Small Chips Right Away
A tiny chip in the windshield is cheap and easy to repair. When ignored, it can transform into a long crack that needs a complete replacement. Companies like Good2Go Mobile Auto Glass Repair can fill chips before they worsen.
- Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes
In Winter: Warm up your car slowly instead of cranking up the heat instantly.
In summer, Park in the shade or place a sunshade to keep the glass cooler.
- Be Careful When Removing Ice
As discussed earlier, pouring hot or lukewarm water can also be damaging. So, use a plastic ice scraper (not metal) to remove ice safely.
- Drive Carefully on Rough Roads
Potholes and bumps shake your windshield, making cracks grow. Slow down on bad roads to reduce stress on the glass.
- Check for Damage After Big Temperature Swings
Inspect your windshield after a freezing night or a scorching day. Catching cracks early saves money!
When Should You Get a Windshield Repair?
Maintain the windshield well with proper measures. Proper maintenance can increase the durability of a glass with tiny chips. Consult the experts immediately when they develop cracks or spread faster. Good2Go Mobile Auto Glass Repair visits your home or work to fix it fast. Here’s when you should call for help:
- The crack is longer than 6 inches.
- It’s in front of the driver’s view.
- It’s spreading quickly.
Ignoring a crack can make your windshield weaker and unsafe in a crash.
Final Tips to Protect Your Windshield
Temperature changes—hot and cold—can turn a small chip into a big problem. Now that you know how temperature affects windshield cracks, you can take steps to prevent further damage.
If you need a repair, Good2Go Mobile Auto Glass Repair offers fast, mobile service to fix your windshield before it gets worse. Don’t wait—small cracks are easier and cheaper to fix!
Got a Cracked Windshield? Call Good2Go Mobile Auto Glass Repair Today!