If you live in Phoenix, you already know that summer is brutal. With triple-digit temperatures, intense sun exposure, and extreme temperature fluctuations, it’s no surprise that your vehicle takes a beating. But did you know that your windshield is one of the most vulnerable parts of your car?
The Arizona heat can turn a tiny chip into a large crack in no time, and improper cooling techniques can make matters worse. In this blog, we’ll cover:
✅ Why extreme heat causes cracks to spread
✅ How to protect your windshield from Arizona’s summer heat
✅ Best practices for parking and cooling your car without causing stress cracks
If you’re dealing with a chipped or cracked windshield, don’t wait until it spreads! Call 11 Bravo Mobile Auto Glass at 602-423-0040 today!
Why Extreme Heat Causes Cracks to Spread
1. Glass Expands and Contracts in Heat
Your windshield isn’t just one solid piece of glass—it’s made of two layers of glass with a plastic laminate in between. When exposed to high temperatures, the glass expands slightly, and when it cools down (like at night or in air conditioning), it contracts.
🚨 What this means for cracks and chips:
- A small chip may start out harmless, but with constant expansion and contraction, it will spread quickly.
- A pre-existing crack will widen in the heat, making it harder (or impossible) to repair.
- A windshield that is already weakened by damage is more prone to cracking under pressure.
💡 Fact: The inside of your car can reach up to 160°F when parked in direct sun for an hour. That kind of heat puts major stress on your auto glass!
2. Sudden Temperature Changes Weaken Auto Glass
Many Arizona drivers blast their AC as soon as they get in the car—especially after it’s been sitting in the sun. While this makes sense for your comfort, it’s not great for your windshield.
🚨 Why it’s a problem:
- Glass heats up fast in the sun, reaching extreme surface temperatures.
- If you suddenly expose it to cold air from the AC or splash cold water on it, the rapid cooling can cause a stress fracture.
- Chips and cracks will spread even faster due to the sudden temperature shift.
💡 Fact: Have you ever poured cold water on a hot glass dish and watched it shatter? The same principle applies to your windshield!
3. Direct Sunlight Weakens the Laminate Layer
Your windshield isn’t just glass—it has a laminate layer in between for added safety. This layer helps prevent the glass from shattering on impact. But over time, constant exposure to UV rays can weaken this layer, making your windshield more fragile and more likely to crack under stress.
🚨 Signs your windshield is being damaged by UV rays:
- Cloudy edges or discoloration
- Increased glare from tiny fractures forming inside the glass
- Fading or bubbling along the laminate layer
💡 Fact: Prolonged sun exposure can weaken the structure of your windshield, making it easier for existing damage to spread.
How to Protect Your Windshield from Arizona’s Summer Heat
Now that you know why extreme heat is so damaging, let’s talk about what you can do to protect your windshield before it’s too late!
1. Park Smart!
Whenever possible, keep your car out of direct sunlight.
✅ Use Covered Parking – A garage, carport, or shaded parking lot is your best bet.
✅ Use a Windshield Sunshade – Reflects heat and prevents direct UV exposure.
✅ Face Your Car Away from the Sun – If shade isn’t available, position your windshield away from direct sun to minimize heat buildup.
2. Be Smart About Cooling Your Car
We know the Phoenix heat is brutal, but take it easy on the AC when you first get in the car.
🚨 What NOT to do:
❌ Do NOT blast cold air directly onto the windshield when it’s extremely hot.
❌ Do NOT pour cold water on your windshield to “cool it off.”
❌ Do NOT slam your doors with the AC cranked up—this creates pressure changes that can worsen cracks.
✅ What TO do instead:
✔ Open the doors for a minute before getting in to let heat escape.
✔ Gradually lower the temperature by running the AC on low first, then increasing it slowly.
✔ Use the floor vents first to cool the car before directing air onto the windshield.
✔ Ask us about Ceramic Film on your windshield!
3. Fix Chips & Cracks BEFORE They Spread
A small chip today can be a full windshield replacement tomorrow. The sooner you get it fixed, the cheaper and easier it will be!
🚨 Don’t wait if you notice:
- Small chips or “starburst” cracks
- Tiny hairline fractures along the edge of your windshield
- Any damage obstructing your line of sight
✅ Our mobile team at 11 Bravo Auto Glass can come to YOU and fix it fast!
📞 Call 602-423-0040 today to schedule your windshield repair!
Best Practices for Parking and Cooling Your Car Without Causing Stress Cracks
✅ Keep a Crack in the Windows – This reduces internal pressure, which can help prevent stress cracks from forming.
✅ Avoid Parking on Uneven Surfaces – If one part of your car gets more direct sunlight, it can create an uneven expansion, increasing the risk of cracks.
✅ Check Your Wipers – Old wipers can scratch the windshield when dragging dust and sand across it. Replace them before monsoon season!
✅ Don’t Ignore Tiny Chips – The extreme heat of summer will spread damage quickly. Repair small chips ASAP to prevent costly replacements!
Don’t Wait for Summer Damage—Call Us Today!
If you live in Phoenix, your windshield is constantly at risk during the summer. Don’t wait until a tiny chip spreads into a huge crack!
At 11 Bravo Mobile Auto Glass, we:
✔ Offer mobile repairs & replacements—we come to YOU!
✔ Use only high-quality glass
✔ Work with insurance to save you money
✔ Provide expert service backed by years of experience
📞 Call 602-423-0040 today and keep your windshield safe from the Arizona heat!
Final Thoughts
Phoenix summers are tough on windshields, but with a little care and maintenance, you can prevent costly damage and keep your car safe. Follow these best practices, watch out for signs of damage, and don’t hesitate to get chips repaired early!
For fast, reliable, veteran-owned service, trust 11 Bravo Mobile Auto Glass to keep your windshield in top shape all summer long! 🚗☀️
📞 Need windshield repair? Call 602-423-0040 now!