These Are The Signs That Tell You That It’s Time For A Windshield Replacement

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A windshield is more than just a part of the car that keeps out both errant rocks and errant spiders from entering the cabin. And even though it’s built to be sturdy, there are subtle signs that you might want to have your windshield replaced. Think of it as an actual shield -- because it is. When its strength and structure are compromised, there’s a good chance that your windshield won’t be able to protect you when you need it to. These are the signs that you need to look out for:

White Haze At The Sides Of The Glass

Windshields are designed to break into rounded, relatively harmless glass pieces so that they do not turn into sharp shards that will surely cut you deep. This is made possible by treating the windshield with a special plastic layer called polyvinyl butyral. When white haze forms around the edges of your windshield, that is an indication that the plastic is separating from the glass.

The Windshield Is Missing Some Pieces

While this might be obvious, there are a lot of drivers who tend to leave a broken windshield be until they find time to get it done. It’s not uncommon for them to patch up these breakages with clear tape. The windshield does more than just keep dirt from getting in your eyes. It also supports the frame of the car. When a piece of your windshield is missing for an extended period, the frame could sag and cause problems for later replacements, which would also lead to the next sign.

There Are Doubts On A Windshield Replacement

When you have doubts on the quality of a windshield replacement, you need to have it replaced again. Some things you need to look out for are wind noise, leaking, and other imperfections.

You Have An Upcoming Vehicle Safety Inspection

Inspectors check your windshield for scratches, cracks, and pitting. All these failure triggers are sustained over the course of normal use, which is why no matter how careful you are while driving, there’s a good chance that your vehicle is going to fail the inspection. Either way, if you’re going to have to get your windshield replaced, you might as well do it before the inspection to save yourself the trouble of having to go through it a second time.

Your Windshield Has Visible Cracks

You might be thinking that cracks are fine as long as they aren’t too deep. But that’s where the danger arises. It’s important to remember that windshields are primarily made of glass. With that in mind, any chink and chip will eventually worsen, especially because this also compromises the strength of the windshield.

Thankfully, you may not necessarily have to have your cracked windshield replaced. Thanks to modern technology, there are new methods of how to repair a windshield crack.

The windshield is your primary defense against the elements, whether it’s from rain, sun, hail, or snow. Because of this, you should expect that it’s going to get a lot of wear and tear. While damage may not be visible now, it’s always best to err on the side of safety. Have your windshield cleaned and checked often and have it replaced when necessary. You never know when your life and the lives of your passengers might depend on it.