How can I prevent getting a cracked windshield?

Question

I have noticed a lot of cars lately with cracked windshields. The cracks are usually parallel to the dashboard and usually go the full width of the dash.

Answer 1

It also depends on the make/model of car. Some have a very good (strong) windshield that isn't highly stressed, and others are pretty bad. I've seen some Ford and GM models where a tiny stone chip turns into a full-screen crack in a day. I also have a 10-yr old Nissan with about 7 stone chips (at last count) and it's never cracked.

If you're car shopping, maybe an insurance company can tell you which models have the most windshield repair claims (though good luck with that...)

Answer 2

Most of the cracks start out as a small stone chip, from a small stone or object hitting the windshield., not much you can do about it. Stay back from dump trucks and just hope for the best.

......I never had a stone chip on a window for 15 years and 5 used cars..then I bought my very first new car....you got it, i had it 3 days when a stone flung up from a tire of the car in front of me and WHACK right below the windshield wiper, two days later I pulled out of a driveway that was a bit uneven, and craaaaaaaaaack, right across the window. anyhow good luck....Splits happen :-)

Answer 3

dont drive it. The cracks generally come from small chips from rocks and other road debris. the chips eventually spider across the windshield. If you have chips and dings in your windshield the only way to stop it is replace it. you can try putting glue in it and not running your defrost but those usually just postpone the inevitable.

Answer 4

Cover your windshield with styrofoam to deflect / catch flying debris. Don't foreget to cut a couple of peek holes in the foam.