You're likely aware of some of the most common causes of auto glass damage. Accidents, flying debris from the road, and heavy storms can all lead to cracks, chips, or more severe wreckage. But have you ever wondered if there are any uncommon or bizarre ways auto glass can chip, crack, or break? Take a look at this unique guide below. We'll talk about all the mind-blowing ways the glass on cars sustains damage.
Chunks of Ice
It's no surprise that ice can cause accidents and associated vehicle damage. Likewise, hail (which typically is just small pebbles of ice), can damage a vehicle and auto glass. But if large chunks of ice hurl toward a vehicle, it can cause a lot of damage. Large trucks can kick up chunks of ice as people drive, or high winter winds can blow the large frozen pieces at moving or stationary vehicles.
Pumpkins
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and fun holidays — most notably Halloween. And while many people enjoy this time of year by decorating their homes with pumpkins and other festive knick-knacks. Others, however, enjoy pulling pranks, with some people throwing pumpkins from atop overpasses. Those gourds can hit fast-moving vehicles and completely shatter the windshields.
Birds
Birds might not seem like such a strange cause of auto glass damage. In fact, most people might guess that a bird flying into a windshield could undoubtedly crack the glass because of how strong their talons and beaks are. But did you know that bird guano (i.e., bird feces) is also a culprit of auto glass damage? Bird excrement can be so acidic that it can cause serious damage if allowed to settle and harden on the glass.
Another bird-related cause of windshield damage? Turkeys. Depending on where you live, you may notice wild turkeys roaming around. The sheer size and weight of such a large bird can easily shatter a windshield on impact.
Portable Toilets
You'd ever expect a portable toilet to be a source of glass damage, but it can be — especially if it falls off a moving truck and hurdles directly toward another vehicle.
Windshield Cleaners
Cleaning your vehicle regularly allows you to extend its life and aesthetic. But not all cleaners are created equal — and not all cleaners can be used on all glass surfaces. In fact, some chemicals in glass cleaners can actually do more harm to auto glass, even if they work safely and effectively on other glass surfaces like mirrors.
Similarly, the windshield cleaner and squeegees at gas stations can pose a risk to windshield glass. Because the cleaning solution is not replaced frequently, the liquid can create a worse surface. The squeegees themselves notoriously trap dirt and debris within the rubber edge, which then leads to further scratches, scrapes, and even minor chip damage when it comes into contact with glass surfaces.
Space Junk
By far the most unique item on this list, space junk can cause a slew of glass damage. Debris from space shuttles, satellites, and supplies typically float in space, with much of that debris orbiting Earth. Eventually, Earth's gravity pulls those items in, drawing them down to the planet's surface.
While TV shows and news reports show this debris landing in random, uninhabited locations (such as the ocean), some reports detail space debris hitting vehicles and severely damaging more than the windshield.
Frogs
You might not think that an amphibian could damage your auto glass. And for the most part, you'd be right. But in some areas, frogs can quite literally rain down, and the sheer weight and pressure of countless frogs on a windshield can wreak havoc on the glass.
Money
Coins, specifically, can create large cracks in a windshield — and depending on the angle of impact, coins can likely destroy other types of auto glass on your vehicle. While coins typically won't damage glass from ground levels or with a normal human-powered toss, the metal currency can crack or shatter a windshield when dropped from tall buildings or launched from coin guns (like those used at theme parks and carnivals).
Aerosol Cans
People tend to leave a plethora of random objects inside their cars for their various daily needs — including cans of hairspray or other aerosols. However, these cans pose a serious risk to all auto glass. If the external temperatures rise too high, that heat gets trapped in your car and then pressurizes the aerosol cans. After enough pressure has built up, the can explode and launch into your mirror, windows, and windshield, causing holes, cracks, and other damage.
Whether any common or bizarre items caused damage to your windshield, windows, or other auto glass, trust the pros at MS Glass Outlet to provide you with quality services and make the necessary repairs so you can continue driving safely. Call us anytime to ask questions or schedule an auto glass service.
