Why Summer Heat Is Bad for Windshield Cracks (And How to Prevent Them From Getting Worse!)

Minnesota summers are made for road trips, weekends at the lake, and long days in the sun. Unfortunately, summer heat can also be tough on your vehicle, especially if you’re already driving with a chipped or cracked windshield. Hot summer temperatures can cause small chips and cracks to spread surprisingly quickly. What starts as a minor annoyance can become a full windshield replacement before you know it.

How Summer Heat Affects Your Windshield 

Glass expands as temperatures rise. When your vehicle sits in direct sunlight, your windshield can become extremely hot. If there’s already a chip or crack in the glass, that expansion creates additional stress that can cause the damage to grow.

Sudden temperature changes can make things even worse. For example, blasting your air conditioning after your car has been sitting in the sun creates thermal stress on the windshield, increasing the likelihood that existing damage will spread.

Summer road construction is another common culprit. Loose gravel and road debris can easily create small chips that become larger cracks during periods of extreme heat.

How to Protect Your Auto Glass This Summer

A few simple steps can help protect your windshield during the warmer months:

• Park in a garage or shaded area whenever possible.
• Use a windshield sunshade to reduce heat buildup.
• Allow your vehicle to cool gradually before blasting the A/C.
• Leave extra space behind construction vehicles and gravel trucks.
• Repair chips and small cracks as soon as possible.

Addressing minor damage early can often prevent the need for a full windshield replacement later.

Don’t Forget About ADAS Calibration

Many newer vehicles are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including lane departure warnings, collision avoidance systems, and adaptive cruise control. When a windshield replacement is required, these systems often need to be recalibrated to ensure they continue operating properly.

Apollo Glass offers professional ADAS calibration services to help restore your vehicle’s safety systems to manufacturer specifications after a windshield replacement.

We Help with Insurance Claims, Too

Dealing with windshield damage is stressful enough without worrying about insurance paperwork. Our team works with most major insurance companies and can help guide you through the claims process, making it as simple and hassle-free as possible.

Fix That Chip Before It Spreads

A small windshield chip may not seem like a big deal today, but Minnesota’s summer heat can quickly turn minor damage into a major problem. If you’ve noticed a chip or crack, don’t wait.

Whether you need windshield repair, windshield replacement, mobile service, insurance claim assistance, or ADAS calibration, Apollo Glass is here to help. Contact our team today at 763-682-5100 and keep your view clear all summer long.