4 Reasons You May Need Windshield Replacement
Posted on: 21 April 2018
Your windshield, when working properly, is not a part of your vehicle that you will usually take notice of: however, when it becomes damaged or otherwise obstructed, it can pose a serious safety hazard and restrict your ability to react to things happening while you are driving, making a collision much more likely. Understanding some of the warning signs associated with a windshield that needs to be replaced can help you determine when you should head to an auto glass specialist.
1. Cracks and Chips
One of the clearest indications that you need to consider replacing your windshield is if you can see large cracks and signs of damage in the glass itself. If these cracks are recent and relatively small, you can likely have them filled with an epoxy and polished out to restore your view. However, if they have existed for a long period of time, or are quite large, you will likely need to have your entire windshield replaced to ensure the structural integrity of the glass.
2. Haze
Another common sign that your windshield has reached the end of its lifespan is if you notice that there is a white haze that will show up around the edges of your windshield and slowly work towards the middle. This is caused by the plastic protective coating over the glass, which keeps the windshield together in case of breakage – preventing shards of glass from flying everywhere, an important safety feature – slowly separating from the glass. Obviously, this is a serious safety concern and requires an entirely new windshield to be installed.
3. Pitting
Another sign that you should consider replacing your windshield is if you notice that there are small pits in the glass. These are not the same as cracks: the glass itself is not broken. Instead, smaller pieces of debris have caused dents to develop on the surface of your glass. This usually is not observable by eye, but you may be able to feel the unevenness of the glass by hand. Further, at night or when the sun is shining directly on your windshield, excessive pitting can reflect and refract light, causing distracting flashes which can reduce visibility.
4. Internal Damage
Finally, you should also keep an eye out for damage on the interior of your windshield, which, while rarer, can still represent a threat to the structural stability of the glass. Keep an eye out for signs of damage or unevenness, and avoid placing pressure on the windshield from the interior of the car to reduce the risk of such damage in the future.
For more information on windshield services in Indiana, contact your local repair shop today.
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