When it comes to car maintenance, most car owners never think about windshield replacement until it breaks. Without any accident, your car’s windshield may last as long as your car does. However, this rarely happens! Some issues often arise that make it necessary to replace the old windshield. Vehicles consist of many important parts and the windshield is one of the most crucial structural features of your car. This multi-functional unit not only provides safety but also allows the driver to have an uninterrupted view of their surroundings.
It protects you from environmental elements like wind, debris, rain, and storms. Moreover, the clear glass keeps you fully aware of the surroundings whilst on the road. Windshields are made using toughened glass which means they don’t break or shatter easily. However, this doesn’t mean the glass is 100% shatterproof. Under high pressure, the toughened glass can break into small pebble-like pieces that are not sharp to cause injuries.
When the windshield gets severely damaged or shatters completely, it becomes unavoidable to replace it. However, sometimes rocks and gravel from the road surface could be hit by other vehicles’ tires and reach the windshield surface. When something hits the glass with great force, it could chip the glass immediately. Ignoring these minor chips could be a serious mistake because these minor cracks or chips quickly start spreading.
Some windshield issues can be repaired easily while sometimes it needs complete replacement. An experienced auto glass repair service can determine whether the windshield needs to be repaired or replaced. However, it’s better to replace the windshield if you encounter any of the following issues.
Chipped or Cracked Windshield
The most obvious reason to replace the windshield is that it is chipped or cracked. A road accident could shatter, crack, or chip the auto glass. Chips often occur when road debris, such as a rock, hit the windshield. Sometimes, the windshield gets cracked due to temperature extremes. For instance, using hot water to clear ice on the windshield could crack the glass.
The windshield can get cracked or chipped due to many reasons and sometimes the glass can be repaired, while often it needs to be replaced. Ignoring chips means it could turn into a bigger crack and pose a dangerous situation where glass could shatter while you’re on the road.
Loose or Rattling Windshield
Post car accidents, your windshield may get loose or start rattling. Sometimes, cars also have faulty windshield installation that can undermine your safety on the roads. Odd sounds while driving, light distortion, water seeping through the front glass, waviness, or excessive dew formation indicates incorrect windshield installation.
Accidents can also damage the seal that securely keeps the windshield in place. All these issues need an immediate solution and replacing the windshield is the best option. If the seal is damaged, the auto glass technician will remove the windshield to fix the seal. It is best to get fresh glass to complete the repair process because the old glass might have become weak due to age.
Reduced Visibility
A clean, strong, and crack-free glass not only keeps you safe but also provides a clear view of the surroundings. Damaged glass can impact visibility and may even obstruct vision which could lead to road accidents. If a crack is in the line of sight, driving can become difficult in low light or bad weather conditions.
When the windshield gets old, the glass can also become a little fuzzy or pitted which can reduce the driver’s vision. If the windshield is not providing a clear view of the outside, it can undermine your safety, and windshield replacement becomes unavoidable.