Common Causes of Windshield Damage
Understanding what causes windshield damage helps you avoid costly repairs. Here are the most common culprits Dallas and Garland drivers face — and what to do when damage happens.
Flying Road Debris
The #1 cause of windshield chips in Dallas is road debris — gravel, rocks, and construction materials thrown up by other vehicles. Highway driving is especially risky. Maintaining safe following distance is your best defense.
Hail Storms
North Texas sits in hail alley. A single spring storm can cause dozens of impacts across your windshield. If your area is hit by hail, inspect your glass immediately — small impacts can spread quickly in heat.
Temperature Extremes
Dallas summers push windshield glass to its limits. Rapid heating and cooling — parking in direct sun, then blasting A/C — creates stress fractures. Existing chips are especially vulnerable to this thermal cycling.
Other Common Causes
- Vandalism or attempted break-ins
- Tree branches and falling objects
- Improper wiper blades (worn blades scratch the glass over time)
- Using wrong cleaning products that degrade the glass coating
- Traffic accidents and fender benders
What to Do When Damage Happens
Don't panic — and don't wait. Cover the chip with clear tape to prevent moisture and debris from entering. Call Auto Glass Garland for a same-day assessment. Most chips are repairable in under an hour.