11 Signs You Need A Windshield Replacement

The windshield of your vehicle both aids in proper navigation and safety while on the road. It’s also a crucial safety feature that most car owners overlook. As the name suggests, the windshield is responsible for protecting you from the elements, wind, and debris. In addition, the windshield plays a crucial role by fortifying the overall structure of your vehicle so that it’s less likely to end up crushed when a rollover occurs. 

Unfortunately, the windshield is one of the components of your car that’s constantly exposed to debris, road bumps, and extreme temperatures. This exposure will eventually take its toll in the long run. Given the important role that your windshield plays in safeguarding you, it’s safe to say that it’s not advisable to drive around if your vehicle has a damaged windshield.

Sadly, many vehicle owners overlook potential red flags on their windshield, believing it’s only a minor issue. In some cases, most are likely to worry about the effort and high costs of getting a repair job or replacement. However, ignoring any issue with the windshield can result in an expensive repair job. It’ll also increase the risk it poses to you and your passengers while on the road. 

If you want to keep your vehicle sound and safe while driving, here are some of the signs that you need a windshield replacement as soon as possible.  

1.Extensive Damage Or Crack On The Windshield 

When there’s a large crack or extensive damage on your vehicle’s windshield, it’s a clear sign that you need a replacement. 

If the size of the damage reaches 1.25 inches or more, timely replacement is a must. If the crack or damage is smaller than that, a repair job can put your windshield back in good shape. However, don’t delay once your windshield has any damage since it’s likely that the problem will get worse over time. Hence, if you see any cracks, it’s best to go to a reliable service provider, like https://discountautoglasspdx.com/, so they can address the problem as soon as possible, ensuring your safety on the road.

2. Damage Or Crack On The Windshield Affects The Visibility Of The Driver   

In most cases, there might be a permanent depression or dent on the windshield that a regular repair job cannot fix properly. When the damage starts to bother you while driving due to blurry visibility, go for a replacement immediately. 

Aside from damages or cracks right in front of the driver’s view, replacement is still necessary if there are damages on the perimeters of the windshield. Getting a replacement is crucial since any damage to this area can put the frame out of balance. 

Replacement of the entire structure is the best approach to prevent the whole frame from falling out. Additionally, any cracks on the sides of the windshield can cause shaking, jeopardizing the driver’s vision, hence, their safety.  

When there’s damage in the area where the sensor is situated, replacement is the best solution, too. Take note that the regions with sensors assist in essential functions, like automated assistance systems.

3. Upcoming Vehicle Inspection 

The best way to avoid any problems with the authorities is to keep your vehicle in good condition at all times, including the windshield. 

Once your schedule draws near for your vehicle’s annual safety and emission inspection, don’t forget that the assessment will include the glass components along with the mirrors and windshield wipers.  

Although these components will not affect the function of your vehicle, they’re crucial factors in your car’s safety system. Once the windshield or windows show signs of damage, such as cracks, they can impede your vision and put the overall safety of your vehicle at risk. Although it’s possible to pass the safety assessment with a crack in your windshield, don’t feel optimistic just yet. If a crack or dent is present in your windshield, these are the requirements for you to pass t the inspection: 

• The damage doesn’t obstruct the driver’s vision’s vision  
• The crack cannot affect the functionality of the windshield wipers  
• The crack isn’t large enough in which the wipers can end up caught on it.

Therefore, make a wise choice by getting a new windshield so you’ll qualify for renewal without any fines or penalties.  

4. Severe Weather Conditions 

The seasons, particularly winter, can place a significant strain on your vehicle’s windshield, especially among those living in regions with four seasons. 

For instance, during the winter, your car has to face rain, snow, and even hail along with the cold, freezing temperatures. The combination of heavy snowing and cold weather can be detrimental to your windshield and can be a factor that might urge you to get a windshield replacement.  

In most cases, you might notice a change as you look through the glass or an alteration in the texture. Once you see these changes, it means that your windshield has microscopic damage, which can worsen over time. The rapid alterations in the temperature can also worsen any tiny cracks or damage on the windshield.  

5. The Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) Separates From The Glass 

The polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is a see-through sheet that’s attached to the windshield for protective purposes. In case of a collision, the sheet helps hold the entire piece of glass to prevent shattering.  

If you’ll closely look at the perimeters of your vehicle’s windshield and see a whitish haze, it’s a clear sign that you need a replacement.

6. Poor Installation 

There are instances when you end up with a windshield that wasn’t correctly installed. For example, some technicians fail to wear gloves during the installation, resulting in the inadequate bonding of the glass adhesive. In some cases, failure to utilize a primer and other suitable bonding agents is the cause of poor installation. 

To determine if your windshield was correctly installed, don’t forget to inspect the molding and ensure proper alignment. If you look closely, some indications of poor installation include traces of adhesives and loose fittings.

7. Poor Windshield Repair Job 

There are instances in which a repair job can tackle a crack or dent in the windshield. It can help save you the expense of replacing the entire windshield.  However, there are cases in which the structural integrity of the glass endures extensive damage that repairs cannot remedy. Once a repair job cannot successfully deal with the damage, the best option is to get a replacement as soon as possible.  

In some cases, when a repair job fails, it might indicate poor quality. Remember that this is often an issue in areas where there are several glass repair services available. Sadly, the drop in the overall structural integrity of the glass will eventually worsen, so you have no other option but to have a replacement job soon. 

8. Evident Pitting In The Windshield  

Over the years, pitting in the windshield is likely to occur. As your vehicle endures exposure to chemical contaminants, extreme temperatures, and constant driving in dusty or sandy roads and sleet and rain, it leads to pitting.  

An issue with extensive pitting on the windshield is that it lowers the visibility and spreads reflected light, increasing the risk of accidents. In addition, when you’re driving in a busy street, the glare from the windshield pitting can blind you. Thus, lower your risk for accidents by scheduling a windshield replacement as soon as possible.  

9. Extensive Scratching 

In most cases, scratching on the windshield is often due to negligence. Generally, wipers are ben the usual culprit. Once the wipers undergo excessive wear and tear, turning them on even for a short while can result in undesirable scratching on the windshield.  

Although minimal scratches on the glass surface won’t damage the integrity of the entire windshield, they can disrupt visibility. You’re putting yourself and your passengers when you’re driving with poor visibility. It’s best to consult a professional to tackle the replacement job.

10. Missing Windshield Components  

Some vehicle owners often commit the mistake of making minor fixes using tape or tarps until getting a windshield replacement job. Remember that the windshield is responsible for providing crucial structural support to the frame of your vehicle. This means that the frame might sag if you don’t replace the windshield right away. Allowing the edge of your vehicle to sag can result in alignment issues with the glass when you decide to replace it entirely. 

11. Damage On The Windshield Blocks Your View 

If there is a dent or chip on the windshield that you mistake as an oncoming vehicle, it can put you at risk for a collision or end up losing control of the car.  

The presence of cracks, which result in spreading damage on the glass, can distort your vision, especially during poor weather conditions. In addition, the limited ability to see during severe blizzards and storms can worsen the crack on the windshield.  

Conclusion 

When the windshield sustains any form of damage, it requires immediate attention. In most cases, a repair job can put your windshield back in order, but there are instances in which a replacement is necessary. Once you discover any of the signs mentioned above on your windshield, make the right choice by getting a replacement job soon.