Most drivers don’t think twice about their windshield or car windows—until a crack appears out of nowhere. Auto glass is engineered to be durable and withstand a lot, but even the strongest glass can fail if it’s stressed repeatedly. The culprit? Every day habits that most of us are guilty of.
In this extended guide, we’re exploring the top five habits that gradually weaken auto glass and what you can do to protect it.
1. Slamming Car Doors Too Hard
Shutting your car door with force might seem harmless, but the shockwaves ripple through the entire vehicle, especially the windows and windshield. When done repeatedly, this causes small fractures in the corners of your auto glass to expand. If there’s already a minor chip in your windshield, this habit can quickly turn it into a spreading crack.
What You Can Do:
Close your doors gently, especially in cold weather or when parked on uneven ground. If you’re already noticing small cracks forming, it’s best to visit a professional service for auto glass repair Richmond before the damage spreads beyond repair.
2. Ignoring Minor Chips or Cracks
Tiny chips may seem like no big deal, but they’re often the starting point of something much bigger. Any form of stress, like potholes, sudden stops, or even a hot sunny day, can cause the chip to grow into a crack that spans your entire windshield.
Real-Life Scenario:
A driver in Richmond noticed a small rock chip after a highway drive. A few weeks later, due to changing temperatures and daily driving vibrations, that chip turned into a major crack.
Pro Tip:
Always act early. Booking a quick Richmond windshield repair appointment can save you time, money, and headaches.
3. Pouring Hot Water on a Frozen Windshield
This season, “hack” may seem like a quick fix, but it’s one of the worst things you can do to your auto glass. When hot water meets cold glass, the extreme temperature difference causes the glass to expand unevenly, often resulting in spontaneous cracks.
Better Alternatives:
- Use a proper plastic ice scraper
- Start your car and let the defroster work gradually
- Cover your windshield overnight with a frost guard
Fun Fact:
Sudden thermal shock is one of the leading causes of early glass failure in colder Canadian cities. Avoid this one at all costs!
4. Parking in the Wrong Spots
Where and how you park your car has a significant impact on your auto glass. Parking under trees exposes your vehicle to falling branches and sap, which can weaken the glass. Meanwhile, parking in direct sunlight for extended periods causes your interior to overheat and expands your windshield, especially around the edges.
What You Can Do:
- Opt for shaded or covered parking when possible
- Avoid parking under large trees
- Use a windshield shade to reduce UV and heat exposure
If you frequently park outside and want peace of mind, having your glass inspected annually by an auto glass Richmond professional can help detect early stress signs and keep your windshield strong.
5. Cleaning Glass with the Wrong Products
Keeping your windshield clean is important for visibility, but using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals can do more harm than good. Paper towels can leave micro-scratches, while ammonia-based cleaners can break down protective coatings, especially on tinted windows.
What to Use Instead:
- Microfiber cloths (gentle and lint-free)
- Auto-specific glass cleaners
- Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight to prevent streaking
Expert Insight:
Professional technicians from GlassCo Auto Glass & Window Richmond recommend regular cleanings using safe tools and techniques—not just to keep your glass looking good, but to preserve its strength over time.
Why Glass Health Matters
Your windshield isn’t just there to block wind and bugs—it’s a structural component of your vehicle. In the event of an accident, your windshield helps maintain roof integrity and ensures proper airbag deployment. Even a small crack can compromise your safety, which is why timely repairs matter.
When to See a Professional
If you’re unsure whether the damage to your glass needs attention, it’s always safer to get it checked. Look out for:
- Cracks longer than a credit card
- Chips in the driver’s line of sight
- Spreading spider cracks
- Windshield distortion in sunlight
Whether you’re in Richmond or the Lower Mainland, expert repair shops like GlassCo Auto Glass & Window Richmond offer fast, reliable service and often handle insurance paperwork directly.
Auto glass damage often starts small and ends with big headaches. But with a few smart changes in your daily habits, you can protect your windshield and windows for years.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can save money, improve safety, and keep your view of the road crystal clear. And if trouble does strike, whether it’s a rock chip, a weather-related crack, or anything in between, don’t wait. And contact GlassCo Auto Glass & Window Richmond to help with expert repairs, honest advice, and seamless ICBC claims support.
