09/01/2022
WHAT TO DO ABOUT WINDSHIELD PITTING
Summer is winding down, and your vehicle could use a good wash before the fall. If you intend on using a pressure washer or a drive-through auto wash, it is crucial to be conscious of any existing damage on your windshield glass. The high-pressure water jets used to clean your vehicle can make existing damage, like windshield pitting, even worse. If you aren't careful, you may need a windshield replacement or repair sooner than later. Within this post, we will review windshield pitting, how it affects your automobile's windshield, and the proper way of fixing it.
Windshield Pitting 101
Windshield pitting is a common form of windshield damage that happens any time contaminants from the road such as sand, dirt, rocks, and other debris impact a vehicle at speed. The debris is very abrasive, and in time it wears down the surface of the glass. Cars that are used every day and automobiles driven at higher speeds will experience windshield pitting faster since they are regularly exposed to the elements and other activity. Unfortunately, apart from not using a vehicle, nothing can be done to prevent windshield pitting.
A quick and easy way to tell if your windshield is pitted is to look through it when sunlight is shining on it. If it makes a glare, then the glass is pitted. It is very important to monitor the condition of your windshield. Left unchecked, a pitted windshield can become hard to see out of, making it a safety hazard. Furthermore, your windshield is an important part of your vehicle's safety system, and it is critical to keep it clean so you can be safe on the road.
Avoid Polishing the Glass
If your windshield glass is pitted you may be wondering, can it be repaired? Yes and no. Depending on how severe the pitting is, it may be possible to restore the surface of the glass. That being said, restoring a pitted windshield is no easy task. It is very time-consuming and requires special tools and rubbing compounds. Glass restoration services use buffers and polish on the glass to remove the damage, but a windshield replacement is always the best solution. Polishing the glass can weaken it and cause it to become uneven. This can jeopardize its safety performance and distort the view through the glass. Experienced auto glass shops, like Glass Inc., do not polish pitting and recommend complete windshield replacements.
Replacing a Pitted Windshield
Small cracks and chips can generally be fixed, but as formerly stated, the proper way to address a severely pitted windshield is to perform a complete windshield replacement. Depending on the size and shape of the glass, a windshield replacement can range from $200 to upwards of $1500. In addition, modern technology, like heated glass, and safety features, like lane departure warning systems, can increase the cost because the systems need recalibrating, and the replacement is more involved.
If your windshield has minor cracks or chips, auto glass shops can normally address these kinds of damage by applying a bonding resin that will fill the area. Once the resin has cured under an ultraviolet light source, the damaged glass becomes fused. In some circumstances, this solution can have great results because the repair is transparent and it is almost undetectable. However, using bonding resin to perform a repair ultimately depends upon where the damage is located. Occasionally, the repair can distort the view through the glass. For that reason, if the damage were directly in the line of sight of the driver, resin would not be an appropriate repair option.
Windshield pitting may not look like a huge problem but it can become a safety hazard for you and other motorists. If you are planning on a trip or just going out and about, it is an excellent time to assess your vehicle's windshield condition to check for pitting and any other damage. Debris from the road, high-pressure car washes, congested traffic, and windy conditions can cause existing damage on your windshield to become an even bigger problem. If you discover windshield pitting, chips, or cracks, Glass Inc. can assist you with a repair or complete windshield replacement. Our company offers mobile repair and replacement services along with on-site services at our downtown location. Give us a call today or get a free estimate online.
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