How Do Windshield Chips Spread?

A chip creates a weak point in the glass. Every time the windshield flexes — from road vibration, potholes, or even the vehicle's frame settling — stress concentrates at that weak point.

Rapid temperature changes, like blasting the defroster on a cold windshield or parking in direct sun after a cold night, cause the glass to expand and contract unevenly. That uneven stress often turns a small chip into a spreading crack.

Avoid extreme temperature swings on the glass where possible, keep the chip covered with clear tape to prevent dirt and moisture from entering, and get it assessed for repair as soon as you can — the sooner a chip is treated, the better the odds of a clean, effective repair.