If your vehicle is showing windshield cracked, chipped, or pitted, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.
Rocks, gravel, or other debris kicked up by traffic strike the glass, causing chips or starburst cracks. If left untreated, temperature changes and vibrations will cause these chips to spread into long cracks.
Operating wipers with torn rubber, exposed metal, or trapped dirt grinds against the glass. Over time, this causes permanent pitting, hazing, and deep curved scratches in the wiper path.
Sudden, extreme temperature changes (such as pouring hot water on a frozen windshield or blasting cold A/C on scorching hot glass) cause the glass to expand or contract too rapidly, leading to a spontaneous crack.
If the windshield was recently replaced, uneven urethane sealant, failure to use proper primer, or unaddressed rust on the pinch weld can create pressure points that cause stress cracks to form from the edges.
Severe body flex from heavy off-roading, a previous collision, or advanced frame rust can twist the vehicle's window frame, putting excessive structural pressure on the glass until it cracks.