5 Uncommon Causes of Windshield & Auto Glass Damage

Have you ever been the victim of a windshield crack that appeared out of nowhere? Unless you
hit Casper on your way to work, that windshield damage must have been caused by a rock or something falling from
the sky—right? Unfortunately, the mystery of your busted car window may not be so easy to solve. Here are 5
possible causes of that broken glass.

5. Bad Installation

If you drive an older vehicle that has had a few owners, a poorly installed windshield may be
to blame. Factory-installed auto glass is typically fine, but when you must replace that auto glass, defects
will usually be the result of improper installation. If the glass isn’t seated or beaded properly and precisely,
gaps can form between the frame and glass. Each time you drive over a bump, pothole, or curb, those gaps can
cause the windshield to shatter or crack suddenly. That’s why it’s important to pay for an auto glass specialist
to repair or reinstall windshields after an accident or hail damage has occurred.

4. Extreme Temperatures

Pouring boiling water on your windshield during the winter probably won’t crack or ruin the
glass, as most automotive glass is tempered and resistant to heat. However, if your windshield is already
sporting a chip or pit, hot water could cause those spots to expand and, eventually, break. Just scrape your
windows the old-fashioned way.

3. Pressure Changes

Ears pop when adjusting to higher altitudes or pressure changes. Car windows can do the same,
though they can’t chew gum to ease the discomfort. If you are driving up to Mile High City and back to Kansas
City every weekend, those frequent changes in altitude may cause a broken window. It’s highly unlikely, as
modern automotive glass is manufactured to adjust to altitudes properly, but stranger things have happened.

2. Poor Glass Quality

Not all windshields, car mirrors, and auto glass are created equal. Some products are cheap
because they’re cheaply made, and that means out-of-factory defects are well within reason. At McCarthy
Collision Centers, we use reputable auto glass made by reputable auto glass manufacturers to ensure our
customers don’t end up needing even more windshield repairs.

1. Previous Damage

What’s the most common uncommon cause of windshield damage? Stress: It can affect car windows
just as much you. Windows that have been chipped, even if slightly, or abused will eventually form stress cracks
that grow and grow until—CLASH—it shatters. Tempered glass, or safety glass, can handle a lot of abuse, but
unlike human skin, it can’t heal. It takes an auto glass doctor to help. So, contact your nearest Kansas City windshield repairer
before your car leaves you a glass-shard surprise. Contact McCarthy at 800-NEW-AGAIN to schedule an appointment
to fix your windshield cracks and chips this winter. We have body shops
throughout the Kansas City area and offer free estimates.