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Why Are There So Many Cracked Windshields in Calgary?

Due to Calgary’s unstable climatic condition and some other contributing factors, numerous vehicles are observed on the streets with cracked windshields catching the eyes of every passerby. Among the many capitals for windshield replacement in Canada, Calgary tops them all.

Let’s get to know the answer to the question, ‘Why Are There So Many Cracked Windshields in Calgary?’

Why Are There So Many Cracked Windshields in Calgary: Explained

To look for the answer to the question, of why there are so many cracked windshields in Calgary, we have to delve into the following points :

• Gravel and Debris on roads: Coated with sand and salt, pickles are very small gravel pebbles. Now, these gravels are used for traction purposes on the road. Because of the unpredictable weather conditions over there, gravel is widely used. To be more specific, fifty thousand to a hundred thousand tons of gravel gets dumped on the roads every year. These gravel and similar debris flies in the air hitting the windshields of the running vehicles on the streets resulting in the cracking of windshields.
• Adverse weather conditions: The weather of Calgary, Alberta is synonymous with two adjectives ‘’unpredictable’’ and ‘’fluctuating’’. The roads become heated and the gravel loosens because of the warm weather brought by chinooks. As a result, more rock chips become available in winter. Moreover, the frequent change in the weather leads to the rapid contraction and expansion of the windshield. Due to this instability, the glass of the windshields leads to cracks.
• High-speed travel: Highways of Calgary authorities promote high-speed traveling. Because of the friction of the wheels with the gravel installed on the ground, the debris starts flying in the air rapidly. As a result, they clash with the windshields leading to big or small cracks. Continuous speed driving leads to cracks in almost all kinds of vehicles using the Calgary highways.
• Construction: The population of Calgary, Alberta continues to grow to date. As a result, the demand for houses, different institutes, and other sites continues to grow. With the increasing demand for such sites and buildings, construction works are also increasing simultaneously. These constructions lead to a lot of trucks carrying gravel and other necessary elements. The hauling of such trucks to and fro leads to irregular falls of gravel, stones, and other elements. This results in mixing with rain and turning into mud. When the muds dry up, the hardened and loosened particles fly in the air and easily clash with the driving vehicles resulting in small cracks.
• Heavy traffic: Since the population continues to grow, the number of vehicles is also growing. As a result, a long line of vehicles is becoming a pretty much common scene on the streets of Calgary. These heavy traffics give birth to the issue of more tires throwing up more debris. So, it impacts the windshields.
• Construction trucks: As mentioned earlier, due to the increasing population density in Calgary the demand for buildings and important establishments has also increased. Therefore, trucks carrying the necessary equipment, especially gravel stones come and go to and fro Calgary. Most of these trucks are sometimes kept uncovered. Again, inadequate coverings also make it impossible to cover all the trucks. Therefore, uncovered trucks used for carrying building materials lead to the striking of such heavy and sharp particles with other vehicles’ windshields.
• Road conditions: Not all the roads in Calgary are in perfect shape. There are some roads with potholes, uneven surfaces, and rough grounds. So, whenever any construction-affiliated truck moves over such roads, gravel stones fall off from the trucks. It may either harm the nearby vehicles’ windshields or just remain still on the grounds. So, there arises a chance of more debris getting kicked up in the air.
• Improper installation of glass: People in Calgary tend to install many kinds of alternatives to the original glass when it comes to placing windshields. So, they become more vulnerable to cracks or a full-on breakdown in the worst-case scenario.
• Poor maintenance: Because of improper or irregular maintenance, severe damages can be caused to the windshields. Not replacing worn-out wiper blades, not routinely cleaning the windshields, and disregarding little chips or cracks can result in damage to the windshields. Because of continuous overlooking such factors, windshields might accumulate dirt and debris leading to scratches. These scratches again contribute to the weakening of the glass and increase its susceptibility to damage.

What Might Happen if You Have a Cracked Windshield?

Well, there will be several consequences for having a cracked windshield and those are not favorable in any way. These include :

• Safety hazards: The safety hazards include airbag deployment, structural integrity, and impaired visibility. Since windshields play a role in the proper deployment of airbags in many vehicles, they may not support the deployment of the force of an airbag. Additionally, a single crack can lead to the weakening of the shield during collision or rollover. Last but not least, the cracks can hinder our front view during driving which can lead to confusion resulting in major or minor accidents.
• Legal consequences: Since there are strict laws against driving with a cracked windshield, one could Be fined or ticketed if pulled over. On the other hand, it may lead to getting the vehicle registered.
• Insurance implications: Repeated claims for cracked shields can affect insurance rates.
• Worsening of the crack: If the debris and dirt accumulated for a long time in the cracks then the repairs applied to it might be of no use. So, there will be a possibility of the vehicle getting completely out of order.

Learn More: Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism in Canada?

Conclusion

Any kind of damage to the windshield will jeopardize safe driving. So, by being aware of the potential damages caused by cracked windshields one needs to take care of their vehicle by safeguarding their safe driving. If you are looking for repair, you can check out the list of Top 10 Windshield Chip Repairs in Calgary.

Hopefully, Stealth Windshield Repairs gave you the answer to your question, ‘Why Are There So Many Cracked Windshields in Calgary?’