Understanding when to opt for a windshield replacement for your vehicle is essential for maintaining both safety and visibility while driving. This guide explores the signs that indicate the need for a windshield replacement, from significant cracks and pitting that compromise your view to subtler signs that might not be immediately obvious. Keeping your car in top condition is crucial, and knowing when it’s time for a windshield replacement can help you avoid potential hazards on the road.
Signs To Look For Before Considering Windshield Replacement
Windshields are an integral part of a car. They protect the vehicle and the driver from things like rain, dust, pests, and stones. Windshields go through tremendous stress; that’s why it’s imperative to look after them and maintain them from time to time. Since these windshields go through wear and tears, a time comes when the windshield needs to get replaced.
However, most people miss out on the signs that indicate that the windshield needs to be replaced. Let’s take a look at some of the signs you look out for that hint towards a windshield replacement.
Windshield Pitting
Pitting is a form of corrosion that leads to the creation of small holes. Similarly, pitting in windshields happens when it’s exposed to rocks, flying debris, and dust from driving on the road. These pits reflect light, making it difficult for the driver to focus on the road by obstructing the driver’s view.
Windshield damage from pitting is dangerous and can lead to life-threatening accidents. Consider getting your windshield changed if you notice pitting on it.
How to Check For Pitting On Your Windshield
To check for windshield pitting, begin by thoroughly cleaning the windshield to remove any dirt that could hide pits. Inspect the glass under good lighting and from various angles, as pitting can be more visible when light reflects off the surface differently. A magnifying glass can help identify smaller pits that are not easily seen by the naked eye. Gently feeling the glass surface with your hand can also reveal rough spots indicative of pitting. Observing how light, especially from oncoming headlights or streetlights, distorts or creates a halo effect through the windshield can further indicate pitting. It’s important to examine both the inside and outside of the windshield, as some pits may be more apparent from one side. If significant pitting is found, consulting a professional auto glass technician is recommended to assess the impact on visibility and safety, and to determine if repair or windshield replacement for your vehicle is needed.
Size of the Damage: Small Chips and Crack – The Repair Zone
Windshields can often be repaired when the damage is relatively minor. Small chips, those no larger than a quarter, and cracks that measure less than three inches in length fall into this category. Advanced resin injection techniques allow professionals to fill these chips and cracks, restoring the windshield’s integrity and appearance. This process not only saves time and money but also prevents the damage from spreading, which can occur due to temperature changes, road vibrations, or stress on the windshield.
Repairing small chips and cracks promptly is crucial. If left unattended, these minor damages can quickly expand, necessitating more extensive and expensive repairs or even a full replacement. Moreover, repairs maintain the original seal of the windshield, which is an advantage since the factory seal offers the best protection against leaks and ensures optimal fit and function.
Large Damage: The Case For Windshield Replacement For Your Vehicle?
When damage exceeds the size limitations for repair, a windshield replacement becomes necessary. Large cracks, especially those longer than three inches, or chips bigger than a quarter, compromise the windshield’s structural integrity. In such cases, the entire windshield must be replaced to ensure the vehicle’s safety.
A compromised windshield poses significant risks; it can impair the driver’s vision and fail to provide adequate protection in the event of an accident. The windshield is a critical component of a vehicle’s safety system, contributing to the overall strength of the vehicle’s structure and ensuring proper airbag deployment. Thus, maintaining its integrity is paramount for the safety of all vehicle occupants.
Considerations for Windshield Replacement For Your Vehicle
Choosing to replace a windshield involves more than just addressing the immediate damage. It’s an investment in the vehicle’s safety and longevity. When selecting a service provider for windshield replacement, it’s essential to consider the quality of the materials used, the expertise of the technicians, and the warranty offered on the installation. High-quality glass and a professional installation ensure that the new windshield performs as expected, offering clear visibility and robust protection.
If your windshield suffers from the signs mentioned above, then come down to Crystal Glass. We are an affordable windshield repair company in Edmonton. Our wide range of services includes residential glass repair, mobile auto glass repair, and commercial glass repair. We’ve been providing high-quality services for 70 years which is why we’re the number option for glass repairs and replacements.
Call us now at 310-4527 and get a free quote on any service.
