Unlike the engine, battery, and tire, a car’s windshield does not often receive the credit it deserves. While many simply see it as a glass for visibility, the windshield performs other functions too. It keeps you safe and comfortable while driving besides ensuring the structural integrity of the vehicle. It defends you and helps you to see while you drive down the street. It not only keeps debris and bugs out but also shields against harsh weather and high winds. It’s important to keep the windshield in good condition but sometimes it sustains damage and must be repaired or replaced so that you can drive safely.
A clear windshield improves your visibility and shields you from flying stones, dust, wind, and rain. But like any other auto part, it may wear out over time or get damaged in an accident. When a windshield gets damaged due to any reason, it can be risky to avoid the damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, you need to either repair or replace the windshield. A windshield is an important safety feature of your vehicle, but eventually, it needs to be replaced because it wears down over time. A windshield’s lifespan depends on factors such as how it was built or fitted, how frequently it has been repaired, and whether or not its owner is fastidious about cleaning dirt from their windshield wipers before usage. While replacing a completely shattered windshield is obvious, there are some other signs also that indicate it’s time to get a new windshield for your car. These signs are:
Chips and Cracks
When you notice cracks or chips in the glass, you know it’s time for a new windshield. Chips are often caused by high-speed flying debris striking the windshield. Depending on the degree of the impact, such impacts can leave a crack or chip on your windshield. If the chip is small, an auto glass repair service will suffice. However, if they are large enough or spread across the surface of the glass, it will be essential to replace the windshield.
Edges of White Haze
A windshield is made up of two pieces of glass joined together by a thin film of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). Any flying object that lands on your car harms the outer layer. The exterior glass absorbs the majority of the impact during a collision. In case of a serious crash, the PVB layer prevents the glass from shattering into fragments, which could cause more damage. Besides accidents, the PVB layer can also deteriorate over time. Due to wear and tear, it can separate from the glass, creating a white haze around the edges of the windshield, indicating that it needs to be replaced right away.
Pitting
When you’re driving on a busy road or highway, your windshield is subjected to several external elements. Often windshield gets pitted when minute particles of dirt, debris, or dust become caught in your vehicle’s windshield. This gives the appearance of tiny holes all over your windshield. A badly pitted windshield can reduce visibility and may also make glass more prone to cracks. So, it’s better to get a new windshield.