Your car windshield is important to your daily vehicle use. Our experts offer advice on common issues you’ll face, what causes them, and what steps you should take.
Let’s get into it.
1. Identifying Damage
You will face many different types of damage – the crucial aspect is to consult an expert in a windsheild shop and not think about tackling the problem yourself. They will be able to advise you whether you’ll need a whole glass replacement or just a small specific part.
You might experience:
- Cracks – You might have cracks at the end of your glass, while a stress crack can be caused by heat and will be found more centrally.
- Stars – This looks like the shape of a star – a break with lines attached. This is only possible to repair if it’s noticed early on. Otherwise, a replacement is needed.
- Chips – A chip is one small one-off damage in the glass. If this is left untouched, it can spread further across the windshield.
2. Knowing What Caused The Damage
The primary purpose of your windshield is to keep you and your passengers safe. That means it’s built to stand up to a lot – but it suffers environmental damage besides rocks and grit hitting the screen.
Understanding what can harm your glass helps you recognize less obvious causes for replacement.
1. Temperature Changes
Glass can expand and contract with extreme temperatures, which will weaken your windshield and cause cracks and damage. Simple ways to avoid this are to prevent ice from lying on your glass for too long and also to avoid parking in direct sunlight.
2. Shock Damage
When we drive, it’s easy to cause damage to our car. Hitting speed bumps or potholes throws stones up, which is annoying, but it can also cause cracks through shocks and impact.
Uneven roads are a fact of life for many of us. Most of us, even. But until those responsible make improvements, it’s up to us to keep our vehicles safe from shocks on uneven surfaces.
3. Dirt Build-Up
Keeping a clean windshield is crucial to preserving its condition – and its functionality. Acidic bird droppings are annoying enough when they’re fresh, but they can cause significant marks and even damage the glass if left unchecked.
Even general dirt, when streaked with rain, can make a significant difference in how well you’re able to see. This can be hazardous and even fatal.
4. Knowing How to Respond
Even when we try our hardest to avoid all issues, our windshields will eventually develop small chips and cracks. The most important thing is to get it sorted as soon as possible. Don’t go with the quickest DIY fix you find – it will only cause more problems in the future. Take your vehicle to an expert.
If you experience a windshield impact or crack while on the road, the best response is to get off the road straight away and take stock of the problem. Stop in a safe spot and consider whether it’s still safe to drive.
Drive Safely
Your windshield does much more than simply keep the wind out of your hair. Follow these steps to avoid damage to your vehicle and catch any problems before they threaten your road safety.
Knowing what causes windshield damage, being able to identify common signs, and understanding how to respond is road safety 101. Safety always comes first on the road.
Remember to consult an expert and don’t attempt to fix it yourself – windshields require a specialist and aren’t worth the risk.
