The Benefits of Mobile Windshield Repair

Keeping Your Windshield Spider Cracks Minimal By Avoiding Extreme Windshield Temperatures

26 August 2016 by Andrew Jackson

Small cracks in your windshield (often called spider cracks) might not seem like a big deal, but extreme temperature changes in the summer and winter can cause the cracks to increase rapidly. This can make windshield replacement a necessity. If you can't afford to get your spider crack repairs during extremely hot or cold months, it's possible to manage your windshield temperature to keep them from getting worse.

How Cold Expands Spider Cracks

When the temperature starts dropping into the freezing range, the glass of your windshield will start to contract. Even in windshields without spider cracks, this can cause small breaks, which can expand. This danger is even more likely if you have a spider crack, as the glass will already be compromised.

This is especially true if the cold windshield is exposed to a sudden burst of hot air from a defroster. The sudden change of temperature will cause the contracted glass to expand quickly, potentially causing spider cracks to increase even more in size.

Heat Can Do The Same Thing

While extreme cold has a tendency to expand spider cracks, excessive heat can do the same thing. This is especially true if your car is parked in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. The heat will expand the molecules of the glass, which can cause the areas around the crack to get even larger.

This problem is more of a concern during the summer, especially when temperatures start soaring into the 90 and 100 degree Fahrenheit range. Thankfully, it is possible to avoid this problem by managing the temperature of your windshield.

Managing Your Windshield Temperature

The best way to keep spider cracks from expanding is to manage your windshield's temperature when you are parked in your garage and when you're outside. This can help keep spider cracks from spreading too much while you save up to get them fixed. Consider the following treatment methods:

• Cold – Windshield heaters will keep your windshield safe from the cold while in your garage. When you travel outside, especially during snowy weather, a windshield cover can help keep your spider crack from expanding.
• Heat – Garage air conditioning can help keep your windshield protected when parked, though the temperature change shouldn't be more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit. When you're not home, try to park indoors whenever possible or in the shade when you can't.

Following these simple steps will ensure that your spider cracks stay small, helping you to avoid a full windshield replacement. However, you still need to get those cracks fixed ASAP or you might end up needing a new windshield anyway.

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