Can Sunlight Make a Windshield Crack Worse? | Affordable Auto Glass

When you spot a crack or chip in your windshield, it’s tempting to wait and see if it gets worse. But what many drivers don’t realize is that sunlight can significantly make a windshield crack worse. If you’re driving around Lake Country, Milwaukee, Waukesha, or Jefferson County, that Wisconsin sun could be doing more harm than good to your cracked auto glass.

In this blog, we’ll explain how sunlight impacts windshield cracks, why the damage spreads, and what you can do to prevent a minor chip from turning into a full-blown replacement.

How Sunlight Affects Your Windshield

Your windshield is made from laminated safety glass, two layers of glass with a plastic layer in between. While it’s built to be durable, it’s not immune to thermal stress caused by temperature changes, especially from direct sunlight.

Here’s how it works:

• When your vehicle sits in the sun, the outer layer of the windshield heats up faster than the inner layer.

• The heat causes the glass to expand. If there’s already a chip or crack, the stress can make it spread quickly.

• Sudden cooling, like turning on your A/C, adds even more pressure, causing cracks to spider across the glass.

Signs the Crack Is Getting Worse

If you notice any of the following, your crack is likely spreading due to sun exposure:

• The crack gets longer or changes shape over a few days

• You see multiple cracks forming outward like a spider web

• The crack reaches the edges of the windshield

• There’s a noticeable drop in visibility while driving

Even a small chip can expand into a full crack in just one sunny afternoon—especially in hot summer months across Milwaukee and Waukesha.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

A cracked windshield isn’t just cosmetic, it’s a serious safety risk.

• It can weaken the structural integrity of your vehicle in a collision

• It may compromise airbag deployment in an accident

• Cracks can obstruct your line of sight, leading to unsafe driving conditions

• In Wisconsin, a badly cracked windshield may even be considered a traffic violation

How to Prevent Sunlight from Making It Worse

Here are simple steps to protect your windshield from sunlight and slow the damage:

• Park in the shade whenever possible

• Use a windshield sunshade when parked outside

• Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as blasting cold air on a hot windshield

• Get small chips repaired immediately before they expand

• Don’t ignore it—schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible

Affordable Windshield Repair Near You

At Affordable Auto Glass, we offer mobile windshield repair and replacement services across:

• Lake Country

• Milwaukee

• Waukesha

• Jefferson County

Whether your crack is just starting or already spread across the glass, our team provides fast, affordable service right at your location. We use high-quality OEM or OEE glass and offer ADAS recalibration when needed—so your vehicle is not only repaired but also calibrated for safety.

Why Choose Affordable Auto Glass?

• Same-day or next-day mobile service

• Certified, experienced technicians

• Insurance claims support

• OEM & OEE glass options

• Honest pricing with no hidden fees

• Over 34 years of experience serving Wisconsin drivers

We’re based in Waukesha and proudly serve Lake Country, Milwaukee, and Jefferson County with professional, convenient auto glass solutions.

Don’t Let Sunlight Turn a Chip into a Crack

If your windshield is cracked, don’t risk letting it spread. Schedule mobile repair with Affordable Auto Glass today and avoid a costly replacement down the road. Our team is ready to restore your visibility and safety—quickly and affordably.

📞 Call us at 262-646-5769 or request a free quote online to book your windshield repair near you.