Hey Sumner! Summer’s here, the sun is out, and everyone’s suddenly convinced they’re outdoorsy. You’ve got people who haven’t touched grass since last August now buying kayaks, going on hikes, and throwing "grill master" into their Instagram bios like it's a job title. But you know who’s not enjoying the sunshine as much as the rest of us? Your windshield.
That’s right. While you're out there flipping burgers, roasting marshmallows, and pretending that SPF 15 is “probably enough,” your windshield is sitting in a parking lot, slowly baking like a forgotten tray of cookies.
And listen, I’m not here to ruin your summer fun. I’m just saying… sun damage is real, especially here in Sumner where it gets hot enough to fry your patience and your dashboard at the same time. If your windshield’s already got a chip or a crack, summer’s heat is not going to help. It’s going to make it worse—like reality TV, but for auto glass.
You might not think about it, but your windshield goes through a lot. Every day it’s out there catching rays like a lizard on a rock, expanding in the heat and then shrinking at night like it’s got commitment issues.
This constant expansion and contraction? That’s called thermal stress, and it’s like CrossFit for your windshield—except it doesn’t get stronger, it just breaks.
Here’s what happens when you combine the summer sun with existing damage:
A small chip becomes a crack.
A small crack becomes a bigger crack.
Before you know it, your windshield looks like it got into a fight with a weed whacker.
It’s science, people. Real, painful, expensive science.
Let’s talk about the risks, because we all know someone who says, “It’s just a little crack. It’s no big deal.” That person also probably thinks gas station sushi is fine and once used duct tape to fix their bumper.
Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore it:
Cracks and chips distort your view, especially when the sun hits them at the perfect angle to blind you. If you've ever driven directly into sunlight with a crack in your line of sight, you know what I’m talking about—it’s like trying to read a book through a broken magnifying glass.
Your windshield isn’t just there to keep bugs off your teeth. It’s a structural part of your car. A damaged windshield can’t handle the same amount of pressure. In a crash? It’s not going to hold up. And that’s when things go from inconvenient to really not funny.
Yep. In Washington, it’s illegal to drive with windshield damage that obstructs your view. So not only are you playing a risky game with your safety—you’re flirting with a ticket. And no one wants to explain to a cop why they thought “minor crack” meant “totally safe.”
Let’s not just dwell on the doom and gloom. Good news: there are ways to protect your windshield from sun damage and avoid the whole “cracked glass summer” storyline.
If you can find a shady spot, take it! Under a tree, beside a building—heck, park behind a taco truck if you have to. Anything to keep that direct sunlight off your glass.
You know those accordion-fold things you see in people’s windshields that look like giant metallic waffles? They’re not just for show. Sunshades can help reduce interior heat and protect the dashboard—and your windshield—from warping stress.
Letting some air circulate can reduce pressure inside the cabin, especially when temperatures spike. Just don’t leave it open enough for a raccoon to move in.
Don’t blast the AC directly onto the windshield when your car's been baking. It’s tempting, I know, but that rapid cooling? It can turn a tiny chip into a sprawling crack faster than you can say “Guess I need a new windshield.”
If your windshield’s already seen better days, don’t panic—we’re not going to lecture you. (Okay, maybe a little. But it’s out of love.) What you need now is fast, reliable, professional glass repair or replacement, and that’s where NW Autoglass Solutions comes in.
We’re based right here in the PNW, and we serve the awesome folks of Sumner, WA with mobile auto glass services that are fast, affordable, and honestly kind of fun—because who said fixing your car had to be boring?
Here’s how we make it easy:
Whether you’re at work, at home, or chilling at the park watching your kid miss every swing, we’ll come to you. No driving around with a busted windshield like you're in a post-apocalyptic movie.
Most chip repairs take under 30 minutes, and full replacements are done in about an hour. That’s faster than your uncle can ruin a family barbecue with unsolicited opinions.
We use OEM-grade glass and professional-grade resin. No cheap stuff here. Your safety’s too important for shortcuts.
We work with all major insurance companies and handle the paperwork. If you’ve got comprehensive coverage, your chip repair might be free. Yes, free. Like “grandma’s cookies” kind of free.
If you’re sitting there thinking, “Eh, it’s not that bad yet,” just remember: it’s only June. You’ve got plenty of time left for that little chip to turn into a windshield-wide disaster.
Instead of waiting until it’s too late (and too expensive), let’s fix it now. That way, when you’re cruising down Main Street in Sumner this summer, your only worry will be whether or not you brought enough cold drinks—not whether your windshield’s going to crack like a fortune cookie.
We're your local pros, and we’re ready to help. Whether it's a small rock chip or your whole windshield looks like it met a piñata bat at the wrong time, we’ve got you covered.
Call us. Text us. Fill out the form online. Smoke signal? Slightly less effective, but we’ll try.
NW Autoglass Solutions: Protecting Windshields and Saving Summers—One Repair at a Time.
Because while sunburns fade, cracks in your glass only get worse. 😎☀️🚘