If you are on the road, the windshield of your vehicle is just as important as the engine and all of the other moving parts. You need to have a windshield that is reliable and sturdy, which means free from any defects. However, many truck and car owners often ignore some of the telltale signs that their windshield may have been compromised in some way. You might worry about the hassles of a replacement or the costs involved. Still, you need to know that modern technology has made it even easier to get a new windshield both quickly and as affordably as possible. When you work with the right company, you will also have assistance when it comes to filing your insurance claim, and your new glass will come with a guarantee that gives you peace of mind moving forward.
Are you still unsure if it is time to have your windshield serviced? These are things to look for:
1. Obstructed View
It is vital that you never let discoloration, cracking, or chipping gets in the way of your line of sight. You have to be able to see anything that is coming at you so that you can make decisions quickly. Should you mistake an obstruction for a blind spot, then you could end up in a fender bender or worse. Cracking, especially when it creates a spider web effect, can begin to distort your vision. This is especially true with adverse weather conditions, which leaves you with limited visibility should you have a blizzard or strong storm.
2. Inspection Renewal
When it comes time for a vehicle inspection, your car or truck could fail if you have significant damage to the windshield glass. Instead of hoping that the damage is not bad enough to trigger a fail, it is always best to have the windshield replaced before you have to renew. This step could cause additional fines or fees. Luckily, your inspection sticker will easily transfer to the new glass via special procedures.
3. Winter Damage
The winter months can be rough on humans as well as all vehicles on the roads. You will encounter things like high winds, colder temperatures, snow, hail, salt, and road grime that can all be harmful to your windshield. If you should start to see chips, cracks, or pitting, you should never hesitate to have it checked out as soon as possible. After the glass has been compromised in any way, the temperature fluctuations during the winter can make the fissures or breaks even worse. In some cases, it can destroy the windshield altogether, so it is best to have it checked out before something happens while you are driving down the road.
4. Visible Pitting
Anyone who drives down a busy road regularly will often find that there can be a lot of debris flying through this air. This may include small rocks and gravel with sharp edging that come from other vehicles. As time goes on, this can create pitting on the windshield surface, which is more visible during the evening hours. Small pits can start to scatter the reflected light, which then makes it more difficult for the driver to see and focus on the road. When there is a rainstorm, pitting makes it harder for the windshield to shed water and keep the glass clear.
5. Hazing
Vehicles are treated with polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which is a special plastic made for coating windshields. It helps to keep the window from harming occupants in the event of shattering during a collision. If you see hazing around the edges of the windshield, this might mean that the coating is beginning to separate. When this happens, it can make it dangerous to you and anyone that is traveling in the vehicle with you.
6. Missing Pieces
The last thing that you want is to simply ‘make do’ with any portion of your windshield missing. Even if you try to tape it up or fix it yourself, the overall integrity is no longer there. Not only that, but you will more than likely get pulled over and fined. It is best to make sure that your missing or damaged glass is repaired by a professional as soon as possible.
7. Having Second Thoughts
Not every auto glass shop will provide the same results, but many drivers will only find this out the hard way. Should you notice that you have issues like leaking, wind noise, or other installation issues, then you should have the replacement reevaluated. Never let a poor experience with a glass company in the past keep you from having your windshield looked at again. It is all a matter of finding the right team of professionals for the job. Bill’s Auto Body features skilled auto glass technicians ready to take a look at your vehicle to ensure safety and function. We will be happy to take a look and provide you with an estimate for the replacement, and we always offer a warranty that will protect your investment for the length of time that you own your vehicle.
As a driver on the roads, you have a responsibility to keep your vehicle in good shape. As our customer, you deserve to have quality service that you can depend on.
Thanks for the tip that winter is usually the time when my windshield is most vulnerable to damage. I have quite a lot of chippings on my windshield right now so I think a simply hailstorm can immediately wreck it soon enough. Perhaps I should consider getting a windshield replacement now before that even happens.