Windshields form one of the most important structural components of a vehicle which alludes to the significance of their maintenance. If you have been driving your car around for some time, you might know how bothersome a cracked windshield can be. Just a small pebble bouncing off and slightly smacking your windshield leads to its cracking. While these factors are inevitable, it is best to have a timely inspection with your repair centres and thoroughly assess the issues. But how would you know if it is time for your windshield replacement or repair? Stick around the article to know.
People generally don’t consider replacing their windshields unless they meet with an accident or something similar. While your windshield can last for as long as your car does, such might not be the case all the time. Some concerns frequently emerge that necessitate the replacement of the existing windshield. This multifaceted component offers safety from elements while providing a clear and distinct view of the road ahead.
Chipped or Cracked?
There could be a multitude of reasons for the damage inflicted on your vehicle. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the damage might be different in several cases. Hence, it is necessary to understand the types of damage that your car is susceptible to.
Windshield Chips
A chip is a small defect on the surface of the glass which is often induced because of the impact of a small stone or pebble slightly whacking it. The repair that follows this is effortless and can be done in no time. However, if the defect is seen to have penetrated deeply through the surface, it leads to further damage to the windshield which finally results in the replacement. Although tiny defects may not directly pose a big threat to the glass, in the long run, they can become the origin from which cracks emerge.
Windshield Cracks
A Crack, in contrast to a chip, is a clear-cut line where the glass begins to disintegrate. While these start as small lines, they generally expand over time, rendering your windshield broken.
Fluctuations in temperature, be it a hot spell or a frosty wave, cause the windshield to expand and contract. This might eventually lead to the widening of the fracture. Tiny pieces of debris also sneak their way into these openings, further deteriorating the condition of your glass. The least you could do to stop the crack from expanding is place tape around it before you get it serviced.
Lastly, the normal wear and tear of your car might aggravate the crack. The effect of speed bumps, potholes, and uneven roadways spreads through the entire car. This repeated exertion may even contribute to the progression of structural damage.
Aside from these primary groups, it isn’t unusual to come across a mixture of both or anything in between.
If you notice that your windshield has started to deteriorate, have it replaced before it threatens the vehicle’s structural integrity.
If you notice that your windshield has started to deteriorate, have it replaced before it threatens the vehicle’s structural integrity.