Why do cracks glare? Why do they spread?

Post your windshield repair tips, questions, advice! Note there is a sub-forum specifically for business development questions.
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kmx321
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Why do cracks glare? Why do they spread?

Post by kmx321 »

I've always liked to learn the science behind stuff, and not just go through the motions. But my former employer didn't like me asking a lot of questions.
They would just tell me "Don't worry about that, just do the repair"
So now that I have my own WSR business, I still have questions that I can't find answers to online.

I like to explain to customers what I'm doing and the reasons behind it.
I tell them the reason why cracks/chips glare is due to air being trapped inside.
That's why when the air is removed it clears up.

I also explain to them that cracks grow because the windshield contracts & expands which causes the air trapped inside to be squeezed. All that pressure makes it grow.
These things happen when:
  • Hot outside and the ac is on
  • Cold outside and the heater is on
  • Bumps in the road
  • Dirt & Debris inside crack
Am I educating the customers or am I misinforming them?
Dave M
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Re: Why do cracks glare? Why do they spread?

Post by Dave M »

All these years I thought cracks glared because they were upset or mad!! :lol:
Semper Fi
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Re: Why do cracks glare? Why do they spread?

Post by Semper Fi »

Dave M, there are hundreds of starving comedians out there and you are on here cracking free jokes (pun was intentional)!
Semper Fi - USMC
Don’t give up! Don’t ever give up!
Jimmy V.
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Re: Why do cracks glare? Why do they spread?

Post by ghost rider »

When customers ask me why windshields break more in the winter I tell them if there's moisture in the break, it's like putting a bottle in the freezer.
screenman
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Re: Why do cracks glare? Why do they spread?

Post by screenman »

When asked if a chip will get bigger my stock answer is, every long crack I have ever come across started as something much smaller.
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Mattimeo
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Re: Why do cracks glare? Why do they spread?

Post by Mattimeo »

In regards to the winter season we get a lot of people coming in due to cracking their windshields in the cold season. I actually wrote a piece about it and published it on here https://www.windautoglass.com/blog/prep ... he-winters/ I give it to customers that always ask me those kinds of questions.
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