A small chip in the windshield can quickly grow and turn into a crack when frost sets in. The causes are temperature fluctuations, moisture and additional stress on the body. In this case, instead of a local repair, a windshield replacement may be required.
A chip in the windshield is especially dangerous during frost
One of the main threats is thermal shock. The cold glass on the outside heats up unevenly after the heater is turned on. Due to internal stress, the edges of the already damaged area can separate, and a small chip can turn into a long crack.
The situation is worsened by moisture that gets into the microcracks. When it freezes, water increases in volume by about 9%, creating additional pressure inside the damage.
"Any strong jolt on a frozen road can be the final push for a crack to appear from an old chip," notes the author of the material, Oleksiy Astapov.
Additional stress is created by potholes, unevenness and body vibrations. The longer a chip remains open, the more dust, water and road reagents accumulate in it, which reduces the quality of subsequent repairs.
Repairing a chip with polymer takes about 30-40 minutes
Before going to a service station, it is recommended to protect the damage from water and dirt with clear tape. A small piece of paper can be placed between the chip and the adhesive layer.
Also, you should not direct maximally hot air at a cold windshield. It is better to warm up the interior and the glass gradually to avoid a sharp temperature difference.
According to the source, professional filling of a chip with polymer takes about 30-40 minutes and costs several times less than installing a new windshield.
