Many drivers worry that taking their car through an automatic car wash could lead to windshield cracks, chips, or other damage. Some people claim that high-pressure water jets and rotating brushes can weaken auto glass, while others believe these concerns are exaggerated.
So, is windshield damage from car washes a real issue, or just a myth? Let’s break down the facts vs. fiction and how to protect your windshield while keeping your car clean.
Can a Car Wash Really Damage Your Windshield?
Car washes are designed to remove dirt, grime, and debris without harming a vehicle’s exterior. However, there are cases where windshield damage occurs due to certain factors.
Fact: Car Washes Can Worsen Existing Windshield Damage
If your windshield already has small chips or cracks, the force of high-pressure water jets can make them spread. Water pressure hitting a weak spot on the glass can cause a minor chip to turn into a long crack. Rotating brushes in older car washes may put uneven pressure on weakened glass, further stressing the windshield. Temperature changes from hot water sprays and air dryers can expand cracks, especially if the glass goes from extreme heat to sudden cooling.
Fiction: Car Washes Can Crack a Perfectly Intact Windshield
A windshield in perfect condition is unlikely to be damaged by a car wash. Modern automatic car washes are designed to be safe for all vehicles, including auto glass. The materials used in touchless car washes—like soft cloths and foam sprays—do not apply enough force to break intact glass. Windshields are made of laminated safety glass, which is resistant to normal pressure and sudden impacts. Unless there is a pre-existing flaw in the glass, an automatic car wash alone is not strong enough to cause a crack.
Common Causes of Windshield Damage in Car Washes
Even though car washes are generally safe, there are situations where windshield damage may occur. A windshield that already has chips or weak spots is at greater risk of cracking when exposed to high water pressure. Sudden temperature changes—for example, driving into a cold car wash after sitting in the Florida sun—can make existing chips expand. In older car washes, rotating brushes with worn-out bristles can put excessive pressure on windshields, increasing the risk of damage. Vehicles with loose windshield seals or poor installation may experience leaks or stress fractures from uneven pressure.
How to Protect Your Windshield in a Car Wash
There are a few easy steps drivers can take to prevent windshield damage while keeping their car clean. Before going through a car wash, inspect your windshield for chips or cracks and get small damage repaired before exposure to high-pressure water. Choose a touchless car wash that uses foam and water jets instead of rotating brushes, which can apply uneven pressure. Avoid extreme temperature changes by letting your windshield cool down before entering a car wash. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition to prevent streaking and scratching after a wash. If your vehicle has an older windshield or previous damage, consider using hand washing as a safer alternative.
What to Do If Your Windshield Gets Damaged After a Car Wash
If you notice a chip or crack in your windshield after a car wash, taking quick action can prevent further damage. Inspect the windshield closely to determine if the crack is new or if an existing chip has worsened. Avoid sudden temperature changes, like using cold water or blasting air conditioning directly on the glass. Cover the chip with clear tape to keep dirt and moisture out until you can schedule a repair. Schedule a windshield repair or replacement as soon as possible to prevent the damage from spreading. Many comprehensive insurance policies in Florida cover windshield repairs at no cost to the driver, making it easy to fix minor damage before it turns into a bigger issue.
Final Thoughts: Are Car Washes Safe for Windshields?
Windshield damage from car washes is mostly a myth, but under certain conditions, a car wash can worsen pre-existing windshield damage. If your windshield is in perfect condition, you have nothing to worry about. However, if there are small chips or cracks, the pressure from high-powered water jets or sudden temperature changes could cause those cracks to spread.
To protect your windshield, inspect it before washing, use a touchless car wash, and get minor damage repaired quickly. If your windshield has been damaged in a car wash, contact Bang AutoGlass for fast, professional windshield repair or replacement. Their mobile service makes it easy to fix windshield damage before it gets worse, keeping your car safe and road-ready.
