As a car owner, you should know the signs that indicate that your car’s windshield needs to be replaced. The thing about your car’s windshield is that it is so much more than a piece of glass. The windshield is an important safety feature of your car, which is why it plays an important part in protecting you and your loved ones while you are driving on the road.
Over time, the windshield will get affected by wear and tear; it might place you at a safety risk if not addressed in a timely manner.
Watch out for the following signs:
Cracked Windshield
Assess your car’s windshield for potential cracks and chips. If you don’t address these smaller chips and cracks immediately, things might escalate to the point that you might need to opt for auto glass replacement. Over time, changes in road terrains, vibrations, and temperature can cause the smaller chips and cracks to spread, which further compromise the quality of the auto glass and the integrity of the windshield.
Glass Pitting
If you haven’t heard or read about glass pitting before, then you should know that glass pitting refers to the smaller but noticeable pits that can develop on the windshield over time. The small-sized pits usually develop due to small stones, sand, or debris hitting the window pane. Now, it is important to mention here that these pits are minor on the surface, but they can cause immense danger as they scatter light and create glare.
These aspects can then make it challenging for you to see clearly, especially when you are driving at night and towards the direction of bright lights. On that note, if you are experiencing pitting or even glare, you must take it as a serious sign that you need to replace the windshield so that you can improve your safety and visibility.
Larger Cracks
You will need to opt for auto glass replacement immediately if you detect larger cracks, especially the cracks that extend across the entire windshield to the point of reaching the edges of the windshield. The larger cracks indicate serious damage. It is important to mention here that damaged glass can weaken the entire glass and make it more susceptible to shatter due to the slightest accident.
On that note, to boost your safety and the safety of your fellow passengers, it is in your best interest to replace the windshield immediately. Also, take your car to the mechanic regularly to detect issues on time so that your car can remain practical, safe, and functional.
Compromised Visibility
Ideally, your windshield should be clear enough to provide you with an unobstructed view of what lies ahead of you. On that note, if you detect that the visibility of your windshield has been compromised due to distortion, haze, or cloudiness that won’t go away – no matter how much you clean the windshield, then you should see it as a sign that you need to change the windshield instantly.
The underlying reason is that compromised visibility leads to hazards, accidents, and dangerous driving, especially in challenging driving conditions.