If your vehicle is dirty from road trips and vacation, then it is time to give it a thorough washing either at home or at a carwash. If you plan on using a pressure washer or a drive-through auto wash, it is very important to be aware 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. In this post, we will go over windshield pitting, how it affects your vehicle's windshield, and the correct way of repairing it.
What Is Windshield Pitting?
Windshield pitting is a normal form of windshield damage that occurs any time abrasive contaminants from the road including sand, dirt, stones, and other debris impact a vehicle at speed. The debris gradually wears down the surface of the glass. Automobiles that are used daily and cars driven at higher speeds will experience windshield pitting quicker since they are regularly exposed to the elements and activity. Unfortunately, aside from not using a vehicle, nothing can be done to prevent windshield pitting. An easy way to tell if your windshield is pitted is to look through it when sunlight is shining on it. If it creates 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. Additionally, 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.
Don't Polish Pitted Glass
If your windshield 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 clear away the damage, but a windshield replacement is always the best option. 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. Professional auto glass shops, like Glass Inc., do not polish pitting and recommend complete windshield replacements
Replacing a Pitted Windshield
Small cracks and chips can ordinarily be repaired, 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. Additionally, modern technology, like heated glass, and safety features, like lane departure warning systems, can increase the cost because the systems require recalibration, and the replacement is more involved. If your windshield has minor cracks or chips, auto glass shops can ordinarily deal with these kinds of damage by applying a bonding resin that will fill the area. Once the resin has cured beneath an ultraviolet light source, the damaged glass becomes fused. In some situations, this option can have great results because the repair is transparent and it is nearly undetectable. However, using bonding resin to perform a repair ultimately depends on where the damage is located. In some cases, the repair can distort the view through the glass. As a result, 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 this summer. If you are planning on a road trip or just going out and about, it is a great time to assess your vehicle's windshield condition to check for pitting and any other damage. Debris from the road, high-pressure car washes, busy 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. We offer mobile repair and replacement services along with on-site services at our office. Call us today or get a free estimate online.
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