Signs Your Car Needs Glass/Windshield Replacement
Auto glass is an integral part of any vehicle. Your car’s windshield is a protective barrier between you and the open road, but a poorly installed, damaged, cracked, or chipped windshield can be just as dangerous and not having a windshield at all.
This is why it is important to consult with commercial and auto glass experts like A&A Glass in Cherry Hill, NJ about damage and timely windshield replacements.
But how do you know your car needs an auto glass or windshield replacement?
Signs Your Car Needs Glass/Windshield Replacement
Here are some telltale signs that your car needs a windshield replacement.
- Damaged, Cracked, or Chipped Auto Glass
This is an obvious one, but damaged windshields that are cracked or chipped need immediate replacements. Sometimes, if the chip or crack is small and hasn’t spread too far, you can opt for auto glass repairs.
However, if the damage appears significant, it is a clear sign your car needs windshield replacement. Moreover, if the damage is deeper than an inch, it can result in a small crack that can quickly grow into a larger circular shape with concentric crack lines around it.
Such damage is highly dangerous for you and your passengers, so get a windshield replacement at the earliest.
- Discoloration, Swirls, & Cloudy Auto Glass
It isn’t uncommon for the windshields of older vehicles to experience discoloration over time. You’ll see yellow or white spots on the windshield, caused by the sun’s radiation and heat. This is a clear sign your car needs a windshield replacement.
Other times, tiny chips can collect dirt that scratches your windshield every time you wipe it. This can cause significant swirls on the auto glass over time. Similarly, if your car is exposed to chemicals or pollutants, such as those in industrial areas, the windshield may form a cloudy, greenish or yellowish hue.
While this isn’t an immediate threat, over time it can cause problems by turning your windshield opaque enough that it isn’t safe anymore. So if you see swirls or cloudy glass, it’s a sign to replace your auto glass.
- Poor Visibility
Chips, cracks, swirls, discoloration, or cloudy glass can all obstruct the view or lead to poor visibility, which can cause dangerous accidents, especially at night or during inclement weather.
Glass damage also spreads faster at high speeds, in bad weather, or under any external or internal pressure. If your windshield offers poor visibility for any reason, it is a sign your car needs a windshield replacement.
- Rapid Fractures
If a crack or chip on your windshield suddenly starts to split and cause multiple other fractures in a short amount of time, it is a sign that you need immediate windshield replacement.
There is likely some pressure causing the auto glass to fracture rapidly, which can be very dangerous for you and your passengers.