How Fast Does a Windshield Crack Spread?

You step into your car, eager to head toward your next destination. Looking out at the road, you’re surprised to find a crack in your windshield. It’s a small crack, less than an inch (two and a half centimeters). You’re unsure if it’s cause for alarm. How fast does a windshield crack spread? Do you need to repair your car's glass immediately, or can it wait?

Most car owners face the dilemma of having a cracked front or rear windshield at some point. Let's analyze the problem and determine the best solution.

What Causes a Windshield Crack to Spread?

Is the crack in your windshield spreading faster than expected? Several factors can aggravate the problem. Here is what you should consider:

• Temperature Changes: Fluctuations between heat and cold cause the glass to expand and contract. This constant movement can quickly turn a small crack into a larger problem.

• Road Conditions: Driving on poorly maintained roads or hitting potholes can shake the vehicle, aggravating the crack and accelerating its spread. Even the smallest bumps can worsen the issue.

• Weather Conditions: Moisture from rain or humidity can filter through the crack, further weakening the glass. This moisture can accelerate the crack's growth, especially during temperature changes.

• Driving Speed: High speeds increase wind pressure on the windshield, which can cause cracks to spread more rapidly. The faster you drive, the greater the tension on the damaged area.

Types of Cracks and Their Behavior

How fast does a windshield crack spread? The answer can also depend on the type of crack. These are some common types of cracks:

• Stress Cracks: Even without a direct impact, stress cracks can appear anywhere on the windshield. They usually occur due to sudden temperature changes that weaken the inner layer of the glass. Improper windshield installation could also cause uneven weight distribution on the glass, resulting in stress cracks. These cracks start small but can spread quickly with vibrations and temperature fluctuations. To prevent them from worsening with temperature changes, park in shaded areas and schedule immediate windshield repair or replacement.

• Edge Cracks: Edge cracks originate at the perimeter of the windshield and tend to grow faster than other types of cracks. Their rapid spread is due to the edges of the glass being more vulnerable to stress and having less support than the center. Driving on poorly maintained roads or hitting a pothole can aggravate the issue. Since they start at the edge, these cracks have a direct path to spread across the entire windshield.

• Bullseye and Star Cracks: Named for their distinctive shapes, bullseye and star cracks behave differently depending on their form and impact point. A bullseye crack, similar to a dartboard target, can remain relatively stable if small. However, if the inner and outer rings break, it can spread quickly. Star cracks, characterized by their stellar pattern, tend to spread outward from the point of impact. The arms of the star can extend rapidly, especially if the glass is subjected to increased tension due to temperature changes or road vibrations. Both types of cracks can expand unpredictably, making early repair crucial to prevent them from compromising the entire windshield.

Let HV Auto Glass Repair Your Windshield Damage

You should now have a clearer idea of how fast a windshield crack spreads. In general, cracks can spread quickly and compromise your road safety. HV Auto Glass offers excellent customer service and skilled technicians with 25 years of experience who can repair windshield damage quickly and efficiently. We can advise you on best maintenance practices and tactics to mitigate windshield damage until you receive your car glass repair service from our team.