Can Heat Crack Your Windshield? Expert Advice for Vehicle Owners

Can heat crack your windshield? Yes, heat can crack your windshield. Heat weakens car glass over time, and it takes long periods of exposure for it to crack a windshield. Thus, heat is more likely to affect pre-existing damage, such as small chips and cracks.

Heat makes windshield cracks spread. It causes the glass to expand, which in turn causes the cracks to spread rapidly across the windshield. Heat weakens car glass over time, so you should take protective measures to prevent heat damage.

What Causes A Windshield to Crack in Extreme Temperatures?

Although a windshield can crack from heat, it is essential to understand the root issue. Constant exposure to heat causes damage, but extreme temperature changes are the real culprit for heat damage. Rapidly fluctuating temperatures cause the glass to contract and expand acceleratedly. It has no time to adjust to these extreme temperatures, which damages the auto glass.

External and internal temperature changes significantly affect the windshield’s auto glass. In the summertime, the interior of a car can become much hotter than the exterior. Turning on the AC causes the vehicle to cool rapidly, and these extreme temperature fluctuations can damage the glass.

What Are Signs That Heat is Damaging Your Windshield?

Cracks that begin to expand across the windshield rapidly indicate that your windshield is experiencing heat damage. However, examine your windshield for other indicators of heat damage:

Stress Cracks

Small cracks that begin accumulating on the edges of the windshield and encroaching on the center are likely the result of the stress of heat damage. Prolonged heat exposure causes significant strain on the windshield.

Distorted Glass

Although it may at first be unnoticeable, heat warps the auto glass. This causes distortion, which could eventually impair the driver’s visibility.

Delamination

Heat causes damage to the laminate windshield glass, separating its layers and forming pockets of air. It can make the auto glass hazy or even blurry.

Are Certain Types of Windshields More Prone to Cracking in the Heat?

Auto glass, much stronger than regular glass, withstands heat pressures for longer periods. The windshield’s laminated glass consists of two panes of tempered glass that encase a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer. For destructive heat damage to occur, heat must penetrate all three layers of the laminated glass.

Over time, however, even auto glass can crack from prolonged heat exposure. A windshield may be more susceptible to heat damage if it is older or has sustained previous damages. Regular maintenance may help support the windshield and prevent extensive heat damage.

How Can You Prevent Your Windshield from Cracking in Hot Weather?

Since your windshield can crack from heat, here are some tips to prevent heat damage in hot weather:

Find Shaded Parking: Park your car in the shade. Do not leave it in the sun for hours or even days. Parking lots or garages are the best options, but even parking the car in a shaded area (like the shade of a tree or building) would help.

Roll Down the Windows: Rolling down or cracking the car’s windows will help avoid heat buildup.

Don’t Blast the AC (or Heaters): Start the AC in gradual increments to prevent an extreme fluctuation in temperature. Avoid blowing air on the windshield by pointing the car’s fans away from the auto glass. Blasting the car’s heaters and pointing them at the windshield could cause added strain even in cooler weather.

Inspect the Windshield Regularly: Look for any signs of windshield damage, such as chips or cracks. Monitor any existing damage to ensure that the heat will not amplify it.

What to Do If Your Windshield Suffers Heat Damage?

If your windshield suffers from heat damage and needs immediate attention, turn to Auto Glass Specialists for reliable windshield replacement in Chula Vista. Our team of experts understands the urgency and precision required for such tasks, ensuring a quick and effective replacement that restores the safety and integrity of your vehicle.

Our skilled technicians are ready to perform top-quality windshield repair in Chula Vista for less severe damage that can still be remedied with a simple fix.

Trust Auto Glass Specialists to handle all your needs related to auto glass in Chula Vista with professionalism and expertise, ensuring durability and clarity to keep you safe on the road.