Pennsylvania is home to many things, from tree-lined streets to potholes that litter the streets.
And while Pennsylvania doesn’t rank worst on the list of states with pothole problems (it’s #11!), many people consider it the state’s unofficial mascot.
Unfortunately, potholes are just one of the many causes of windshield damage in Pennsylvania, as fallen debris, turbulent storm seasons, and fast freeze-thaw cycles all can result in chips and stress cracks that imperil your windshield.
We’re giving you the low-down on windshield damage in the Keystone State, including common causes, essential facts, and what you can do to guard against the state’s many hazards.
Damaged Windshield Statistics
Windshield repair is one of the most common culprits of auto repair, yet many people rarely anticipate or even think about windshield damage. However, the numbers around windshield damage may surprise many of you and make you reconsider the need to inspect or protect your windshield.
- Auto glass repair is one of the most common insurance claims nationwide (Source).
- Edge cracks are responsible for around 70% to 80% of these claims (Source above).
- 14 million windshields are replaced every year (Source).
- For every million vehicles, approximately 300,000 chips can be found (Source).
While there isn’t specific data to compare in Pennsylvania, it’s clear that auto glass damage is one of the leading insurance claims and is more prevalent than most people think.
What’s Behind So Many Windshield Cracks in Pennsylvania?
You could say that windshields in Pennsylvania are especially susceptible to damage. At our shop in Wilkes-Barre, we encounter windshield cracks and chips that occur every day as a result of several different factors, including:
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, construction zones, speed bumps, rumble strips: regardless of the cause, sudden vibrations to your vehicle can weaken the seal of your windshield glass and result in stress cracks. These cracks also tend to occur near the edge of the vehicle, requiring complete replacement of the windshield.
- Kicked-Up Debris: In many cases, debris kicked up from commercial and recreational vehicles on highways and country roads is often a great source of rock chips and cracks that strike windshields.
- Falling Debris: Pennsylvania (literally named for Penn’s Woods) is home to dense forests and hanging trees that often shed their branches during storms, resulting in broken glass. From falling tree limbs to pine cones and acorns, all it takes is one solid object to fall from a tree and strike your glass at just the right velocity to produce a crack or chip.
- Weather Woes: Studies out of the Chesapeake Bay have shown that warming global temperatures could result in increased rainfall and worse storms in many Pennsylvania Counties, including Luzerne County. Over the past few years, we’ve already witnessed an uptick in tornadoes as tornado alley has begun to shift eastward into some parts of Pennsylvania.
- Temperature Shifts: The dramatic temperature shifts frequently experienced during the frigid winter months can lead to freeze-thaw cycles that allow water on windshields to expand and contract, damaging the glass underneath.
Pennsylvania Laws Around Broken Windshields
Pennsylvania law explicitly bars drivers from operating a motor vehicle with a windshield crack or chip that obstructs the driver’s vision. This includes most cracks found at the center of the windshield.
In most cases, you will not be able to pass an inspection with a chip or crack that obstructs your vision or weakens the structural integrity of your vehicle.
Surviving the Shatterfest: Tips and Tricks to Protect Your Windshield
Windshield damage may be common in the keystone state, but it’s not unavoidable. Here are a few tips to help you avoid windshield damage while driving.
- Keep a Safe Distance from Other Vehicles: In Pennsylvania, road debris can be a big problem, especially with frequent road construction and the use of road salt in the winter. Staying back from other vehicles, particularly large trucks, can help prevent debris from hitting your windshield.
- Use a Quality Windshield Cover: Pennsylvania’s natural landscape means your car might face hazards like falling acorns, pine cones, and even branches during storms. A good windshield cover can protect your windshield from such debris and prevent scratching from ice scrapers in the winter. This is especially useful if you park under trees or in areas prone to falling debris.
- Avoid Unpaved or Poorly Maintained Roads: While not always an option, try to avoid rough roads with loose gravel or construction zones that can kick up debris. It may even be in your best interest to take the long way home if you find you’re frequently encountering construction or potholes on your commute.
- Regularly Replace Windshield Wipers: Worn wipers can be a major cause of windshield issues. Replacing your wipers every year—or even every six months in heavily wooded or rural areas—can keep your windshield clear and prevent damage.
- Repair Chips and Small Cracks Immediately: Pennsylvania’s fluctuating temperatures and seasonal changes can make minor chips in your windshield quickly worsen. Avoid the headache and save money by getting rock chips repaired as soon as possible.
Stop by our shop on North River Street in Wilkes-Barre or contact us for our mobile windshield repair service to get your windshield back to like-new again.
FAQs
Why are windshields more vulnerable to damage in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s varied seasons and aging infrastructure can create challenges for windshields. Frequent road construction, freeze-thaw cycles, and abundant tree coverage mean more debris, potholes, and road salt—all of which increase the risk of windshield damage.
How can I protect my windshield from road salt in winter?
To minimize damage from road salt, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid flying debris. Regularly wash your car to remove salt buildup, which can scratch the windshield if left uncleaned. Also, consider using a windshield cover during heavy snow to reduce exposure.
