Just recently KY3.com, the NBC affiliate in Springfield Missouri ran a story about windshield chips cracking out; "Windshield chips can become bigger problems in cold weather". Sgt. Dan Bracker of the Missouri State Highway Patrol says they see cracked windshields all the time and it is a safety issue. That being due to poor vision from the distortion and reflection. Sgt Bracker says getting a cracked windshield replaced is a low priority with many but that they wish to raise that priority. Another words as I see it stopping those with a cracked windshield.

It is recommended that chips be repaired in short order to prevent a cracked windshield. Doing so reduces contamination resulting in a stronger, better looking repair. The good news is that by paying a small amount for a repair you can save that $200 needed for a replacement. Money that could be used at Christmas time.

This article gives the reason a windshield cracks is caused by expanding and contracting of the windshield. Which is true because a windshield is 2 layers of glass with a piece of vinyl between them. Glass doesn't like to change temperatures. When you have extremes in temperature where the outside layer is cold like in winter and the inside layer is hot, like when your defroster is on; a battle takes place right in front of your eyes. One side is trying to contract while the other is trying to expand. The result is the weak spot (the chip) will crack out.

The bottom line from this article is what I've been saying, repair your windshield in a timely fashion to prevent the need of windshield replacement.

If you would like to read this article and the video click here: Windshield chips can become bigger problems in cold weather.

It's not unusual to get calls from people stating that they don't know why their windshield cracked. Or that they have a small crack; not counting the crack that extends through the black part of the windshield, known as the frit.

This cracked windshield was caused by a chip in the frit on the left side of the photo.

A close up of the first picture shows the chip that wasn't repaired. The result is replacement is the only choice at a cost of $260. If caught in time the repair would have only cost $39.99.

The frit is is the black portion around the edge of the windshield. It is a ceramic paint that has been applied during the manufacturing process. It serves several purposes and is not intended as a place to get a chip you can't see until your windshield cracks.

First the adhesive that bonds your windshield to your car deteriorates when exposed to UV rays (sunlight). The ceramic paint blocks the sunlight.

Second the frit serves a cosmetic task. Over the years the trim around a windshield has been reduced or eliminated. The frit hides the pinch-weld and adhesive, something that trim once did.

Third on some windshields the frit extends down from the top around the rear view mirror as a shade; known as a third visor.

To prevent a cracked windshield you must check the whole windshield for damage. That includes the frit and third visor area. To inspect damage near the edge you must do so from the outside. A great time to check your windshield is while your fueling.

A chip in the frit of a Buick Rendezvous. This chip was repaired saving the owner several hundred dollars. The damage couldn't be viewed from inside the vehicle and was found when I was called to fix another chip.

A chip in the frit of a 2007 GMC Enclave. I slide a piece of card stock from inside so a photo and repair could be performed. Again the damage couldn't be seen from inside; but by repairing the chip a cracked windshield was prevented. The owner save several hundred dollars over replacement, beside avoiding a leaky replacement.

Remember to check your windshield from the outside when you fuel up. After all what can you do while your waiting for your tank to fill up that could save you a minimum of $160.