Understanding Interior Windscreen Cracks

How Does a Windshield Crack from the Inside?

There are many reasons a windshield can crack, but if you see a cracked windshield from the inside and realize that’s where the crack started, you may be perplexed. How would a windshield crack from the inside, where there are no road hazards or weather fluctuations? Would it surprise you to learn that this isn’t uncommon? Stress cracks can happen on the inside layers of the windshield, and this kind of crack needs to be treated differently from exterior cracks.

Frightened woman grips the wheel in a car with a cracked windshield in Edmonton & Leduc, AB

What is an Inside Crack?

Often, windshields are made with two layers of glass, with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between them. This makes for a strong windshield, safe and durable, and minimizes the risk of glass shards flying around when there is an accident. However, this kind of windshield is vulnerable to cracking from the inside.

How Can a Windshield Crack from the Inside?

There are a variety of reasons a windshield might crack from the inside.

The most common cause of internal cracks is temperature fluctuation. When there is an extreme shift in temperature, stress cracks can form. You can help prevent this problem by heating and cooling your car gradually. For instance, in the winter, don’t immediately turn the heater and defroster on high. Similarly, when the car is very hot on a summer day, hold off on turning the air conditioner up. Let your car move from one extreme to the other slowly, so that you don’t cause the glass to expand or contract, resulting in stress fractures.
Sometimes, problems with manufacturing or installation can result in interior cracks. A poorly manufactured windshield can have structural weaknesses that cause cracks around the edges, and an improperly installed windshield may not align properly in the frame. These are common reasons for internal cracks, so if you need your windshield replaced, make sure you entrust the work to a reputable company.
Damage or normal wear and tear can cause damage. Over time, a windshield can begin to degrade. The sealants can become weaker, and the glass can start to flex, causing internal cracks. Additionally, the structural integrity of a windshield can be compromised by a previous issue, and this can lead to weakened areas that crack from the inside.
Believe it or not, your music can crack your windshield. It may seem unlikely, but loud music can cause vibrations that result in cracks if the windshield is already in a weakened state. Keeping your music at a reasonable level doesn’t just protect your ears, but it can also protect your windshield.
An impact on the outside can cause damage to the inside of the windshield. Something hitting the windshield, like a rock, can cause it to crack all the way through, from the outside to the inside. As the car moves along the road, the crack can spread due to vibration.

Tips for Preventing a Crack Inside a Windshield and Maintaining Your Auto Glass

What’s the best way to keep your windshield intact? Using some common-sense strategies to prevent damage to your windshield can help.

Use a cover or park in a shady spot when it’s hot out. If shaded or covered parking is not available, cover your windshield to prevent large fluctuations in the car’s internal temperature. The temperature inside a car rises very quickly on a hot day, and becomes much hotter than the outside temperature.
Tinting your windows can protect them. Window tinting reduces the amount of UV radiation that penetrates your car windows, and this can prevent your car from overheating. This helps you prevent interior cracks, and it also saves on fuel because you won’t need to use the air conditioner as much.
Be mindful of your habits. Be careful not to immediately blast the air conditioner, heater, or defroster, opting instead to gradually heat or cool the car.
Turn down your tunes! Music played above 85 decibels can crack your windshield, cause distracted driving, and result in permanent hearing loss.
Inspect and repair your windshield as needed. Regularly give your windshield a good look, checking for chips and cracks, inside and out. If you notice even a small, damaged spot, have it repaired as soon as possible, to keep it from getting any worse.

At Auto Glass Solutions, We Know How to Fix an Inside Window Crack

Whether you have a crack on the outside of your windshield or a windshield crack inside the glass, you can trust Auto Glass Solutions to provide you with comprehensive auto glass repair services. With two convenient locations in Alberta, our family-owned and operated company provides a hassle-free experience, working quickly to repair or replace your windshield so that you can get back on the road. With over 30 years as a trusted service provider in Edmonton, AB, and the surrounding area, we have extensive experience and are committed to serving our local communities. Some repairs can be completed in about 20 minutes, and for customers who choose to wait at our location, we have a customer lounge with access to free Wi-Fi. No matter what kind of auto glass repair you need, reach out for a free quote or contact us for more information.