Your windshield is a very important piece of your vehicle. Without it, driving would be downright dangerous. Plus, you would be eating a lot of bugs and that’s pretty nasty.
Windshields protect you from wind, rain, rocks, and all the other debris that may come flying into your car. Don’t play around with a compromised windshield. If you do, you’re risking your own safety and that of everyone else in your vehicle.
But how do you know the difference between the need for a new windshield and a simple repair? Let’s take a look. Here are 6 signs it’s time for a new windshield.
If you find that your windshield is exhibiting any of these qualities, then it’s time. You need to find a reputable company to replace it for you.
Cracks, Chips or Scratches
The ability to see well is of the utmost importance when driving a vehicle. Even minor cracks, chips, or scratches can impair your ability to see.
Sometimes you only have a split-second to see and react to something. An imperfection in your windshield can distort what you see and cause you to pause. It may even create a mini blind spot that could be even more devastating.
You may only lose a second debating about what you’re seeing. But that second could mean the difference in avoiding an accident.
Impaired visibility is nothing to play around with. In fact, it plays a role in about 46% of fatal crashes. Be responsible and don’t let that be you.
If your windshield is only chipped or scratched, you may not need to replace the whole thing. Most minor blemishes like these are easy to repair. An expert in auto glass repair can fix you up quick.
That being said, you do need to repair them. Don’t keep putting it off like the unwanted chore that it is. Leave those blemishes for too long and they can easily develop into something not so minor. If a rock hits at just the right spot, it could even shatter your windshield.
If your windshield has cracks, big ones in particular, the danger is even more imminent. Your windshield could break at any moment. Plus, most cracks inhibit your ability to see quite a bit.
If the crack is bigger than about 3 inches, chances are you will need a new windshield. For something smaller, you may be able to get away with a repair. But we would suggest asking a professional for advice on this.
Bottom line, it’s time for a new windshield if yours has a crack in it. It’s silly and dangerous not to get it fixed ASAP.
Upcoming Vehicle Inspection
If you have a vehicle inspection coming up, take a quick look at your windshield. Even very minor chips or scratches can cause your vehicle to fail the inspection.
It makes more sense to get your vehicle fixed up beforehand. That way you won’t have to go through all the hassle of doing your inspection again.
Your Windshield Seems Different at the End of Winter
Cold winter weather can wreak havoc on your windshield. Snow, ice, and salt all can cause damage in their own way.
Plus, when it’s frigid outside people tend to turn up their heaters. Why is this bad? Extreme temperature differences between inside and out can be hard on your windshield.
Don’t ever use boiling water to de-ice your windshield. The quick temperature change can actually crack the glass.
You should garage your vehicle as much as possible during the cold months. This will help to extend the life of your windshield.
Even if you take all the right precautions, at the end of winter you may notice your windshield isn’t the same as it was. If that’s the case, a new windshield may be in order. Have a professional take a look to determine if it’s time.
A Piece of the Windshield is Missing
This may seem obvious, but we’re going to cover it just in case. If a piece of your windshield is missing, you need a new windshield ASAP.
The integrity of your windshield is severely compromised if a piece is missing. At any time your windshield could blow up in your face from a rock striking it or the like.
Not only that, but a hole in your windshield is an open invitation for spiders and other insects.
A Repair Didn’t Work
Perhaps you have already taken your windshield in to get repaired. If you have, and the repair hasn’t worked, it’s time for a new windshield.
There’s no reason to try to repair it again. If it didn’t work the first time it will be much safer to replace the whole thing.
Remember, a windshield with compromised integrity is very dangerous. The whole point of having the glass there is to protect the vehicle’s occupants. If the glass itself shatters in their faces, it’s safe to say it didn’t accomplish its purpose.
Incorrect Installation
So you tried to save money by having your friend’s brother replace the windshield? Incorrect installation can be just as bad as a compromised windshield.
Installing windshields isn’t necessarily a hard task. But it does take someone who knows what they are doing to make sure it gets done right.
What happens if your windshield is not installed correctly? The uneven pressure can actually cause chips and cracks in the glass pretty quick.
Do yourself a favor and hire a reputable company to install your windshield. It actually comes out cheaper in the long run. You won’t have to pay twice to get the same work done on your vehicle.
Time for a New Windshield?
What do you think? Does your windshield fall into any of the categories we’ve talked about? If it does, it’s time to consider a new windshield.
Contact us today to request a quote. With our experience and reasonable prices, we can get you fixed up in no time.
Feel free to call us right away if you feel that your situation is more urgent. We want to make sure that everybody is driving around with a safe windshield installed in their car.
