Tips to Avoid These 4 Summer Auto Glass Problems

Your car is a great tool in the summer to get your family to all of the fun activities the season has to offer. But how can you keep your auto glass crack-free and structurally sound this summer as you take road trips, weather storms, and enjoy the season? Learn more about four common auto glass problems you can experience in the summer and some tips to avoid them.

1. Crack Expansion

Glass cracks are unfortunately common on vehicles. Whether your windshield suffered one due to a stray flying rock or you got one in a minor accident, windshield cracks are annoying but not usually something to worry about. However, they can be cause for concern, especially in the summer.

High temperatures common during the summertime can worsen and expand existing cracks. This is dangerous because even if the crack was small and out of the driver's line of sight, over time, the crack can get larger and impede vision. What's worse is that cracked windshields are more likely to shatter in an accident, which means cracked windshields are less safe to drive with.

The good news is that heat can't crack your windshield unless it already has an existing chip. But if you do have even an insubstantial crack, you'll want to take some steps.

Keep Your Car Cool

Avoid overheating your car as much as possible. If it's hot outside, try to park your car in a garage where temperatures are more regulated. Park in the shade whenever possible and avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day.

Repair and Replace Quickly

Avoiding heat will only get you so far. Luckily, windshield cracks can be repaired if they aren't too severe, so you can avoid having your whole windshield replaced if you act fast enough. But windshield replacement is recommended for extensive or deep cracks.

2. Construction Cracks

As you take long trips this summer, chances are you'll run into construction somewhere along the way. Construction often poses a threat to your auto glass because unpaved roads and trucks carrying paving materials can increase the risk of projectiles that can chip your windshield. Cars ahead of you can kick up loose gravel and send it flying your way, especially if they are driving at high speeds.

Whether you're taking a short trip to visit family or driving across several states, follow some of these tips.

Drive Cautiously 

As you drive through construction zones, heed the lower speed limits and drive with caution. Keep as wide a distance between you and the car in front of you as possible, especially if a construction vehicle is directly in front of you.

Reroute Around Construction

If you don't want to risk damage at all, plan ahead and avoid construction. Apps like Google Maps report construction on major roads, making it easy for you to know when construction is up ahead. Detour around the work zone to avoid damaging your vehicle.

3. Hail Damage

Storms are often a welcome part of summer, but the most extreme of storms can come with hail. Hail is most likely to occur in storms between May and September, during the height of summer, and with hail comes the likelihood of car damage. While it's not common that hail reaches the one inch in diameter it needs to be to damage a car exterior, you don't want to risk it.

To avoid having hail crack your windshield, consider these tips.

Seek Covered Parking

Park your car in your garage during storms to make sure it's safe from damage. Even open covered parking like carports can keep hail from touching your auto glass, and you can opt to construct a temporary shed if you don't have access to either.

Watch the Forecast

Pay attention to weather reports, particularly when it looks like it might storm. Take storm warnings and hail predictions seriously. If you pay attention to the weather, you'll have time to prepare a plan to keep your car safe from hail.

4. Occasional Scratches

Windshield scratches are less noticeable than cracks, but they still happen. The most common culprit is windshield wipers, particularly old ones. The rubber that wicks away rain can break down over time and expose the metal frame underneath. If the metal rubs repeatedly over your windshield — for instance, if you turn the wipers to the most vigorous setting during a summer downpour — it can scratch the glass.

What can you do to avoid scratches?

Replace Wipers Regularly

Replace your windshield wipers regularly, especially if you notice them making loud noises as they wipe. Windshield wipers come in many different types, and some last longer than others, so choose a more long-lasting option if you don't want to deal with replacements frequently.

Get Glass Today

If you need glass replacement or repair services, contact MS Glass Outlet for fast, reliable, and affordable auto glass services. Let us keep your car and everyone in it safe this summer.