Visibility is crucial for a safe driving experience. If your windshield has cracked glass, big or small chips, or scratched glass, you run the risk of such problems becoming much worse. Serious injuries or accidents can happen when this vital part of your car is compromised.
Here are some of the most common problems that can affect your windshield’s integrity and the overall safety of you and your passengers.
1. Spreading Cracks
While you may not be bothered by a cracked windshield if the affected area isn’t right in the middle of the pane, it still poses a problem to the glass’s structural integrity.
Yes, a new windshield is an expense you’d rather not deal with if you don’t have to. But if you try to ignore the problem, small windshield cracks will spread until they become so large that you don’t have a choice but to have a windshield replacement.
The best way to prevent cracks is to get any new windshield chips fixed as soon as possible so that they don’t spread. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to protect your windshield from road debris while you’re driving.
Storm damage, sun exposure, and high winds are all factors that could cause a crack in your windshield or worsen an existing crack. If you can, keep your car parked in a garage or under a protective covering.
2. Windshield Chips
As soon as you notice a small chip in your windshield, take your car to an auto glass repair technician. They’ll be able to inspect, clean, and seal the chipped area. The resin used will be transparent, so it will blend in with the auto glass.
A chipped windshield is usually caused by debris, such as rocks or ice being flung toward you from vehicles in front of you. Avoid a windshield chip by giving lots of room between you and the car ahead of you, and staying off gravel roads if you can.
While there are windshield repair kits available to fix a small chip, be cautious about using them. It may void your warranty or insurance coverage, and if you aren’t sure of what you’re doing, you could end up irreversibly damaging your windshield.
Your best solution is to do “chip first aid” by covering the chip with clear packing tape to keep it clean and dry until you can go to an auto glass repair shop.
3. Windshield Scratches
There are plenty of hazards that can cause a scratch in your windshield. Flying debris and falling tree branches are rarely avoidable, but there are a few dangers that are in your control.
Ensuring your windshield wipers are replaced before they get to a stage where they’ve lost the soft rubber that comes in contact with the glass. Also be sure to keep your wiper fluid topped up, so that you aren’t using your blades on a dry surface.
4. Flying Ice
The best way to ensure ice from your vehicle doesn’t cause damage or a car accident is to clear ALL the ice and snow from your vehicle. Don’t just clear off the windows enough so you can see—debris can fly from your roof, truck bed, or hood, and it’s more likely to do so at high speeds.
To avoid getting hit by ice from other vehicles, ensure you keep at least 4 seconds of distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Some cars might be obviously covered in ice and snow, but it might not be so obvious if a vehicle poses a danger.
5. Storm Debris
The environment is harsh on your vehicle. Hail damage is the most common type of weather-related damage that can affect your windshield, but high winds can blow tree branches and other objects into your car.
Most storm damage occurs while your vehicle is parked, so use a covered or indoor parking, or a car cover if you don’t have either, especially if a large storm is in the forecast.
6. Poor Installation/Repair
It’s important to take your vehicle to a reputable auto body repair shop (such as Bemac) to ensure a quality auto glass repair job.
An incorrect installation can result in a loose-fitting windshield. Normal driving will cause the loose glass to vibrate, which could result in small cracks or other serious damage.
7. Windshield Discolouration
A reputable auto glass repairer will use high quality glass, so be sure your new windshield isn’t made of cheap or low-quality glass. Defects such as discoloration or weak areas will only get worse with time.
When you replace a broken windshield, saving money by going with the cheaper option isn’t the best idea when it comes to your OEE or OEM windshield replacement. High-quality glass will be less likely to need repairs or replacement in the future, so while the initial cost might be more, the choice will be worth it in the long run.
8. Car Accidents
If you experience a car accident that’s minor enough to leave your vehicle still driveable, your windshield might not be so lucky.
While the impact is a likely cause of windshield damage after a small fender bender or scrape, there’s a chance of problems cropping up afterwards. If you notice new cracks or other windshield damage after the incident, it could mean that the vehicle’s frame is bent and putting excess pressure on the glass.
It’s a good idea to get professional advice from a technician after you’ve been in any accident, no matter how minor. They’ll be able to assess the structural integrity of your windshield and determine if it’s in need of repair.
Bemac Windshield Auto Glass Repair Exceeds Expectations
Come to Bemac for fast, efficient chip auto glass repair or windshield replacement. Our skilled windshield glass technicians do the kind of top-tier work that will exceed your expectations.
Read how Alex Z described his amazing experience with Bemac’s windshield replacement and repair service:
“Extremely professional, fast and great to communicate with. I had a cracked windshield and could not drive far. They had the materials ready the next day and my car was fixed that afternoon. It was returned to me spotless and shiny, in the middle of winter. This exceeded expectations. My first thought was that my car looked like it did when I drove it off the lot. Really impressed. Will return and recommend.”
