We’ve all experienced some crazy heat during the summer of 2022! While you’ve been worrying about your increased energy bills, overheating car engine, or drinking enough water to stay hydrated when it’s really hot outside, you might not be thinking too much about your car’s windshield.
Auto glass is something we typically don’t think about unless there’s a problem that needs to be fixed. But when there is a problem, fixing it should be your top priority in order to keep you and your passengers safe when driving.
What does the heat have to do with my windshield?
Did you know that glass expands in hot conditions and contracts in cold ones? Cars are built to accommodate some expansion and contraction, so your windshield most likely won’t just break when it gets hot out.
However, hot weather can be damaging to your vehicle in a number of ways. In fact, extreme heat can have detrimental effects on just about every part of your car.
For example, heat causes fluids to evaporate, which can create any number of problems with the fluids your car needs to operate– particularly coolant. And without your coolant, your car is susceptible to overheating.
How does the hot weather this summer affect my windshield?
During the course of most days, the temperature changes fairly gradually– it doesn’t just jump from 72 to 102 in the blink of an eye. This gradual change usually gives your windshield a chance to slowly expand or contract without causing any major problems.
However, even without a quick temperature change, your windshield could still be at risk of cracks and other damage.
How can I protect my windshield during hot weather?
A cracked windshield can be a serious problem that requires immediate attention, especially if the crack is located within the driver’s field of view. Not only is this dangerous, it’s also illegal and you might end up with a ticket if you don’t get it fixed ASAP!
Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to keep your windshield intact.
First, you should park in the shade whenever possible. At very least, do your best to avoid parking in direct sunlight. You’ve probably seen information about how quickly cars heat up in the sun, and it’s true.
The temperature can increase 40+ degrees within the first hour of being parked, which definitely qualifies as a quick enough change to cause stress to your windshield glass.
The risk of damage is increased by the fact that the metal housing your windshield heats up at a much faster rate than the glass itself, causing tension in the glass that can result in a crack.
Because the windshield is vulnerable to damage after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, be careful not to slam your car doors– that impact can easily cause a crack!
Additionally, even though you might be tempted to blast the AC immediately upon entering the vehicle, you should wait just a few minutes with the doors and windows open to allow the temperature to regulate.
What do I do if my windshield cracks from the heat?
Thankfully, if your windshield does crack, you have options. Fast Glass offers mobile service, which means that our glass technicians can come to you and repair your windshield while you work or relax at home.
If you have any questions about glass maintenance or would like to contact us about a repair, go ahead and give us a call today!
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