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.