Lesser Known Signs That Your Car's Windshield May Need To Be Replaced
If your windshield is shattered or has a crack that is impeding your line of sight while driving, it is time to replace your windshield. But this is information that most drivers already know. What you may not know is that there are other reasons why your windshield may need to be replaced and what the signs of those problems are. Here are a few lesser known signs that your car's windshield may need to be replaced.
Your Windshield is Showing Signs of Pitting
As you drive, small pieces of asphalt, sand, gravel and rocks can fly up and hit your windshield. While they may not leave behind chips in your windshield, over time, they can slowly cause small indents, or pits, on your windshield. A pitted windshield can be hard to see out of when the sun is in certain positions and reduces the strength of the windshield. This can cause it to break if you are involved in a collision. If you notice pitting in your windshield, you will want to have your windshield replaced.
There's Dirt Stuck in Your Windshield
Another sign that your windshield needs to be replaced is dirt or other items that appear to be trapped in the windshield. If there are minor cracks or scratches in your windshield that went untreated for some time, the windshield may have become contaminated with outside debris. Unfortunately, once it is in, there is no way to remove it. In this instance, you may need to replace your windshield, as this contamination can shift and possibly impede your line of sight while driving.
There's a White Haze Around Your Windshield
The last sign that your windshield may need to be replaced is a white haze along the edges of the windshield. Windshields are treated with plastic to help prevent the windshield from shattering in the event of an accident. As the plastic is exposed to sunlight and other elements, it may start to pull away or separate from the glass. When this happens, a white haze forms around the edges of a windshield. If your windshield is not replaced, it may shatter if you are involved in an accident.
In some cases, it is clear that your windshield needs to be replaced. However, other times, there may be signs that you don't recognize or are not aware of. If your windshield is pitted, has dirt or other debris trapped inside of it, or you notice a white haze around the edges of your windshield, it is time to replace it.