9 Reasons Why Windshields Crack Overnight?

Imagine you are running late for work, and after getting in your car, the first thing you notice is that the windshield has cracked overnight. Isn’t it frustrating?

A car windshield cracking on its own is one of those car troubles that seems to creep on us from nowhere.

With that as the premise, let’s check out the usual reasons behind these cracks. Understanding them can probably help you take preventive measures, which may help you avoid taking your vehicle for frequent windshield repairs.

Nine Reasons Why Car Windshield Can Crack Overnight

Below are the nine reasons responsible for windshield cracking overnight along with practical car maintenance tips to help prevent these issues.

1. Temperature Fluctuations

Temperature fluctuations are one of the main reasons windshields crack overnight. A significant drop at night and then a rapid rise around noon can cause the glass to expand and contract, resulting in cracks.

Parking your car in the open on a cold night and then turning on the heater to unfreeze the car windows can cause a crack.

Solution: To prevent icy windshields, you would be better off parking the car in a garage.

2. Pre-Existing Chips or Cracks

Often, a windshield might already have a small chip or crack that went unnoticed. These minor imperfections can weaken the glass, making it more susceptible to cracking under pressure. Even a tiny impact can cause these small flaws to expand overnight.

Solution: To avoid bigger issues, regularly inspect your windshield for any signs of damage and have it repaired by experts promptly.

3. Manufacturing Defects

Though rare, in some cases, manufacturing defects in the windshield itself can automatically result in a crack. Cracks can also pop up with external stimuli, such as juddering, collision, etc.

Solution: Avoid unpaved roads and drive safely.

4. Poor Installation

Windshield installation is a critical process, and it must be accomplished by an experienced service provider. If not installed properly, the probability of cracks increases manifold for a windshield. Improper alignment causes uneven stress in the glass, which tends to lead to cracks in due course of time.

Solution: Always rely on a reliable service provider while opting for windshield repair or replacement services.

5. Impact from Debris

Do not ignore small impacts from debris. Even these small knocks can cause cracks that may grow over time.

For example, if a tiny rock hits your windshield, you may not find any noticeable crack; however, over time, the crack can enlarge significantly.

Solution: Be mindful while parking your car. It will help if you avoid parking under trees or close to a heap of debris consisting of loose gravel.

6. Extreme Weather Conditions

Poor weather, like hailstorms, can cause severe damage to windshields. Large hailstones can create cracks immediately and weaken the glass, which can result in cracks later.

Solution: Monitor the weather. Most importantly, if you are notified of an impending hailstorm, find a covered parking spot.

7. Structural Weaknesses

Your car’s structural integrity is imperative for your windshield. If the car’s structural integrity is compromised, your windshield will come under stress, which may cause cracks.

Solution: Opt for regular vehicle inspections. These inspections will help you identify and address the weaknesses or other maintenance challenges before they damage your windshield.

8. Inferior Quality Glass

The quality of the glass in your windshield is, in a way, directly proportional to its durability. The probability of a windshield cracking is significantly higher when it is made from low-quality materials, so much so that it can be spontaneous.

Solution: Always opt for quality glass to secure longevity while availing of windshield replacement.

9. Vandalism

Vandalism can happen anytime, anywhere, and it is not always possible to avoid it.

Solution: Park your vehicle in well-lit, preferably protected areas. You may also opt for an appropriate car cover.

10. Improper Use of Accessories

You need to be careful when attaching accessories like phone mounts or dashboard cameras. They can put undue pressure on the windshield, which may result in cracks.

Solution: Mount these accessories correctly so that they do not exert undue pressure on the windshield and thus prevent damage.

Conclusion

You can nip small damages in the bud to prevent them from blowing up and turning into an unignorable crack on your windshield. Additionally, you can follow car maintenance tips and use high-quality materials for repairs and replacements to steer clear of such scenarios.

If you find yourself dealing with a cracked windshield, it’s essential to seek professional windshield repair services promptly. You can get your car’s windshield fixed from NuVision Auto Glass. Trusted for our expertise and transparent pricing, at NuVision you get complete peace of mind.