Signs that Definitely Mean You Need to Have Your Auto Glass Replaced

If your auto glass has sustained damage, depending on the extent of the damage, you might be able to do a quick repair. But in many cases, the damage is quite extensive and repairs aren’t a feasible option because it won’t make your auto glass structurally sound like before.

Auto glass replacement isn’t something that vehicle owners look forward to, but for the sake of your own and your passenger’s safety, it might be the safest bet. If you’re seeing some of the signs above, it might be time for an auto glass replacement.

Poor Visibility

No matter if the chip or crack on your auto glass is big or small, if it’s in your line of sight and it interferes with your visibility, you should definitely consider doing an auto glass replacement. Even though small cracks can indeed be replaced, the real factor that determines this is the location of the damage.

Repairing auto glass damage that is in your line of sight, might result with slight distortions. This is normal when you inject resin into the damaged area during the repair. You need to be aware, however, that everything that interferes with your view out of the open road, could potentially put you and the passengers in danger. So cracks and chips that are obstructing your vision should not be repaired.

Auto Glass Pitting

Auto glass pitting occurs when small, abrasive objects collide with your windshield, causing small chips on the surface. If your daily commute takes you through a construction zone or a road where there’s a considerable amount of debris, your auto glass most likely has some small signs of auto glass pitting.

Auto glass pitting is not big damage. However, it refracts light in an unusual way which can make you lose focus from the road. In addition, with pitted auto glass, water slides off the auto glass slowly, so on rainy days, your visibility could be compromised even further.

Cloudy Windshield Glass

The windshield on all vehicles is composed of two thin sheets of glass and in between those sheets, you will find a thin layer of plastic material, commonly known as PVB. The role of the PVB is to prevent the glass from shattering when something hits it, so you and your passengers can remain safe. PVB also disburses the damage into smaller and rounded chunks, rather than sharp splinters which can injure you.

Auto glass is also subject to wear and tear, just like any other part of your car e.g. wiper blades. So over time, the thin sheet of the plastic inside will start to detach from the glass and you will notice this by seeing a hazy white appearance around the edge of the windshield.

This might seem minuscule, but in case you get into an accident if the windshield breaks, that thing layer of plastic won’t hold the windshield together and you and your passengers can end up with serious injuries from glass shards.

If you notice any of the following, make sure to contact Auto Glass Express and schedule an auto glass replacement.