Why Two Cars Can Hit the Same Stone But Only One Windshield Cracks
If you’ve ever been driving on busy Toronto streets and seen a small stone bounce off your car, you might have noticed that one vehicle ends up with a cracked windshield while another car nearby stays perfectly fine. It may seem random, but the difference comes down to several important factors that many drivers never consider. How Impact Angle Affects Damage The angle at which a stone strikes a windshield can make all the difference. Even a small piece of debris can cause a noticeable chip if it hits at a vulnerable point. The same stone may hit another car at a less critical angle, spreading the force differently and leaving no visible damage. Understanding this can help drivers realise why minor incidents sometimes result in unexpected repairs. Windshield Shape and Tension Zones Modern vehicles often feature curved windshields for better aerodynamics and visibility. These curves, however, create natural stress areas in the glass. A stone striking one of these high-tension zones is ...