As summer approaches, we’re all looking forward to warmer weather and outdoor adventures. After enduring the cold, it’s natural to want to hit the road and enjoy the sunshine. But while summer is great for us, it can spell trouble for your windscreen—especially if you’ve got an unrepaired chip or crack. If your windscreen is damaged, rising temperatures should be a red flag. Let’s explore why summer heat and windscreen cracks are a bad combination.
Does Heat Cause Windscreen Cracks?
It’s not just the heat itself that causes windscreen cracks. The combination of high temperatures, direct sunlight, and sudden cooling from air conditioning can put serious stress on a damaged windscreen. Even the smallest chip can quickly turn into a full-blown crack in hot weather or when exposed to sudden temperature changes. So why does this happen?
The Science Behind Windscreen Damage
Modern windscreens are made from two layers of glass with a sheet of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in between, all laminated together for strength. Typically, it’s the outer layer that cracks, but when exposed to heat, the glass expands. If there’s already a chip or crack, the heat weakens the damaged area, causing the crack to spread.
Temperature Swings and Cracking
The real danger to your windscreen comes when you try to cool down your car. Blasting cold air from the air conditioner onto a hot windscreen creates rapid temperature changes that can cause cracks to spread quickly. Even a small chip can turn into a serious crack under these conditions.
How to Protect Your Windscreen from Heat Damage
To minimise the risk of new cracks, there are a few simple steps you can take:
- Park in the shade: Avoid direct sunlight whenever possible.
- Cool your car gradually: Start your air conditioning on a low setting, and avoid blasting cold air directly onto the windscreen.
- Open windows: Let natural air circulation cool the car interior before cranking the AC.
Preventing Existing Cracks from Spreading
If your windscreen already has a chip or crack, temperature management won’t stop it from getting worse. Even if you cool your car down gradually, the damage is likely to spread. The only sure way to prevent cracks from expanding is to repair or replace the windscreen.
Get Your Windscreen Fixed Before Summer
The best way to protect your windscreen from further damage during the Australian summer is to address any chips or cracks right away. Small chips can often be repaired, but if the damage is too extensive, you may need a full windscreen replacement. It’s always cheaper to repair a chip before it spreads, so act quickly.
At Emergency Windscreens & Quality Fit Windscreens as well as Emergency Windscreens, we make it easy to get your windscreen repaired or replaced. Our mobile repair team can come to you—whether at home or work—and get your windscreen back to full strength. Don’t wait for the heat to cause further damage. Contact us today and ensure you’re ready for a safe and stress-free summer on the road!