With winter fast approaching, it may be time for windshield repair for anyone with a crack in their car's windshield. Unfortunately, cold weather can exacerbate the problems caused by a crack, and you don't want to be caught off guard when your crack gets worse. This brief guide explores the issue and how to avoid making the problem worse. 

Why Cold Weather Is Bad for Windshield Cracks

Experts always recommend that you fix windshield cracks as soon as possible once you notice them, but many people still put windshield repair off for weeks or even months. Your windshield provides a crucial barrier between you and the outside, and any damage to it can also make driving less safe. This is only made worse by cold weather. That's because glass, like most other materials, expands and contracts as the temperature changes. 

When the temperature drops outside, it causes your windshield to contract, or get smaller. If you already have a windshield crack, this amount of shrinkage can cause the glass to separate entirely and may make the crack grow and worsen. As you drive, the glass may continue to get colder due to your speed, making the crack grow even more. In extreme circumstances, this leads to much larger cracks and even shattering of your windshield. This compromises your safety in your vehicle, and you should seek windshield repair before it gets to this point.

What Other Factors Contribute

A windshield isn't just damaged by ambient temperatures, but it can also take damage from the driver's and occupants' behavior. Many people use the car's built-in defroster to help get frost and ice off the windshield. The defroster heats up the inside of the window, causing it to expand slightly, but the ice on the outside remains cold. This difference in temperatures causes more stress on a cracked windshield, leading to further damage and danger. If you haven't been able to get windshield repair yet, avoid using your defroster, and instead use an ice scrapper for the time being.

If you're looking for help with your auto glass repair needs, reach out to GlassPro, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH. These windshield repair experts have the experience and knowledge necessary to fix your glass, whether it's chipped, cracked, shattered, or otherwise damaged. Learn more about their services online, and call (513) 874-6559 to schedule repairs.