Windshield damage is a common occurrence for drivers in McAllen, Texas. The city's climate, road conditions, and even driving habits of locals can put car windshields at risk. Here are the top reasons you may end up having to replace your windshield while living in McAllen:
Extreme Heat and Cold Temperatures
McAllen is located in a subtropical climate zone which sees very hot summers and brief cold spells in winter. The average high in summer is 97°F and the mercury can top 100°F on the hottest days. In winter, overnight temps occasionally dip below freezing. These temperature extremes can stress and weaken auto glass over time, making chips and cracks more likely. Rapid temperature changes are also a culprit. Things like pouring hot water on a frozen windshield to deice it causes the glass to expand and contract too quickly, weakening the integrity of the windshield.
Intense Sunlight and UV Rays
Intense sun and heat in South Texas delivers a daily barrage of ultraviolet radiation which can damage windshields and cause pitting, hazing, discoloration and reduced visibility over time. Windshield glass can literally get sunburned. Without proper protection, UV exposure weakens the chemical bonds in glass. A good UV-blocking clear coat on your windshield is essential to prolonging its life in sunny McAllen.
Windblown Debris and Storms
Windstorms, hailstorms and even normal breezy conditions send all kinds of debris airborne that can dent or chip car windshields. Tree branches, loose gravel, shopping carts, and more get whipped around by strong winds. Hail pummels glass mercilessly too. Since inclement weather is more common here from late summer through fall, windshield replacement calls jump during those months each year.
Poorly Maintained Roads
Rough roads plague many parts of McAllen. Potholes, loose gravel, uneven surfaces, and uneven pavement seams all threaten windshield integrity. Hitting bumps and holes can cause glass to flex beyond its limits and crack. Loose stones kicked up by other traffic are missiles targeting your windshield. Bad roads speed up deterioration of windshield glass significantly.
Rocks and Debris From Unsecured Truck Loads
Trucks hauling landscaping materials or traveling to and from construction sites can be seen regularly around McAllen. Unfortunately, many do not secure loads properly with tied tarps or covers. As vehicles hit bumps, debris and gravel spill out. These unnoticed dangers on the road launch little projectiles at your windshield, marring the glass. Even tiny stones pack enough force when propelled by momentum.
Construction Zones and Work Sites
On any given day, there are multiple construction projects underway on McAllen's roads and highways. Work zones mean more heavy equipment transporting materials, digging up soil and gravel, and truck traffic coming and going. With poor dust control and containment in work areas, glass-damaging particles make their way onto roadways easily. Construction debris hitting windshields is simply an occupational hazard for McAllen drivers.
Aggressive Driving Maneuvers
Some impulsive or impatient driving practices also contribute to chipped and cracked windshields locally. Tailgating large trucks or following too closely behind other cars risks gravel and debris ricocheting off their wheels or undercarriages into your glass. Veering onto road shoulders puts you in the path of loose stones too. Weaving in and out of traffic aggressively enhances odds of collisions which could damage glass as well.
So, there you have it - the main culprits ruining windshields prematurely for McAllen motorists. Regardless of the reason, you need to pick the right place to replace your damaged windshield in McAllen. That's where we at A-1 Auto Glass Repair can help. Feel free to get in touch with us for more information and get your broken windshield replaced.