Red Wing, MN – Falk Auto Body and Glass, Inc, a long-standing collision repair and auto glass repair services provider in southeastern Minnesota, shares expert guidance for Red Wing drivers on common windshield damage causes and professional repair solutions. Minnesota’s unique weather, wildlife activity, and seasonal temperature shifts create frequent glass damage, making timely auto glass repair important for long-term vehicle safety.
Climate and Road Conditions That Affect Windshield Integrity
Minnesota’s harsh winter conditions and large temperature swings increase the likelihood of windshield damage. Winter road maintenance spreads gravel and salt across highways, which vehicles kick up at high speeds. These projectiles can create star breaks, bullseye cracks, and combination damage that weakens the windshield surface.
Temperature changes from freezing nights to warmer days place stress on glass. Small chips that might stay stable in mild weather can expand into long cracks when rapid heat shifts occur. This is most common during fall and spring when daytime and nighttime temperatures differ sharply.
Why Prompt Attention to Windshield Damage Matters
A windshield contributes up to ~30% of a vehicle’s structural strength, especially during rollovers, and plays a critical role in airbag deployment support. Damage or improper installation can compromise that structural role and – on vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – affect sensor alignment and performance.
Addressing damage early helps prevent larger problems and maintains the protective features your vehicle provides.
Common Causes of Windshield Damage in Minnesota
Road Debris and Winter Materials
Vehicles traveling behind trucks encounter rocks, gravel, and salt carried on winter roads. These materials become projectiles and strike windshields with considerable force. Maintaining safe following distances reduces the risk.
Wildlife and Animal Collisions
Deer movement peaks during dawn and dusk in fall and spring. Collisions frequently result in severe glass damage and sometimes affect connected systems. These incidents often require full windshield replacement and a safety recalibration check.
Thermal Stress and Temperature Shifts
Minnesota experiences extreme cold and heat. Rapid transitions from one to the other create stress that pushes cracks to widen. Using hot air or hot water on frozen windshields can worsen damage.
Vehicle Accidents
Collisions often impact the windshield directly or through frame flex. Even low-speed accidents can weaken glass and safety system components attached to it. Damage from crashes may not be immediately visible but can worsen over time without inspection.
Freeze Thaw Cycles
Water entering a chip can freeze and expand, forcing cracks to spread. Minnesota’s repeated winter freeze-thaw cycle accelerates this type of damage. The pressure from expanding ice often turns repairable chips into full-length cracks overnight.
Identifying the Type and Location of Glass Damage
Chips, star breaks, and combination damage vary in severity. Cracks near edges or within the driver’s sightline typically require replacement. Surface wear, such as pitting and haze, reduces visibility and can interfere with sensors. Damage near camera mounts or rain sensors may affect driver assistance features, making precise repair procedures important. Getting timely auto glass repair helps prevent small windshield damage from spreading and affecting key safety systems.
Immediate Steps After Discovering Windshield Damage
Drivers should inspect the damage from multiple angles and take photos for insurance documentation. As a short-term measure before professional evaluation, placing clear tape over chips/cracks can reduce moisture intrusion. However, it does not halt crack progression and is not a substitute for timely professional inspection.
Contacting insurance providers early helps clarify coverage for glass repair services. Scheduling an evaluation within 24 to 48 hours reduces the risk of further damage. Choosing the best auto glass repair near you ensures your windshield is handled correctly before weather or driving conditions make it worse.
How Falk Auto Body & Glass Approaches Windshield Repair
Thorough Damage Evaluation
Technicians examine visible and hidden stresses and review how the damage affects safety systems and visibility. Each assessment considers whether repair is viable or if replacement is the safer, long-term option.
Following Manufacturer Procedures
All repairs and installations follow published manufacturer standards. Adhesive choice, curing conditions, and proper glass selection support long-term performance. OEM glass is often recommended for vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems.
Insurance Coordination
Falk Auto Body & Glass coordinates directly with insurers to document damage and support appropriate claims, reducing delays and simplifying the process for drivers. The team provides clear communication throughout the claim to help drivers understand coverage and minimize surprises.
Auto Glass Repair Services to Protect Safety and Value
Windshield damage often begins small but can spread quickly in Minnesota weather. Quality auto glass repair near you preserves structural strength, maintains safety system function, and protects visibility. Call (651) 388-1218 or email [email protected] to schedule your windshield evaluation with Falk Auto Body & Glass in Red Wing.
