I just recently moved from Pennsylvania to South Texas. Since I got here three months ago, my windshield has been cracking like crazy. I have had this car since 2010 and never had a windshield issue.

First, a small pebble flew off a truck and hit the windshield, causing a small crack. Safelite fixed it for free through my insurance.

Today, I was driving along on the highway at around 85mph and suddenly a HUGE crack developed on the passenger side, right near the pillar! The windshield will likely need to be replaced now. It is weird because nothing hit it. I did not hit any bumps. It just randomly happened. It was nowhere near any other cracks, either.

I have noticed small little gouges in the glass that have recently formed, but aren't quite cracks.

My question is this: Why is this happening? Is it because of the climate difference? Do windshields just wear out over time and become weak?

 

Read the etching on the windshield; if it says Asahi, it's probably the original glass. That south Texas heat probably did a number on it. In the summer, I always crack the windows a bit for cross-ventilation. Prevents heat-related damage.

 

I would bet you had some micro-fractures and time took its toll.

 

My 2000 was in Texas all its life, parked outside in the sun since I bought it in 2008. No problems. Something was wrong with the windshield in your car.

It may have been replaced with some lower quality glass, it may have been installed wrong, it may have had micro fractures or it may have been under stress if the car had been in an accident. Whatever it was, you will be all right when you get it replaced.

 

windshield are bound to crack, if it has a lot of pits on the glass from road debris and rock chip, it will crack eventually. I have been through two windshield, both replaced through Safelite, cost me like 130 for it.