The windshield of your car acts as a type of armor for you. Many will even say that it’s your first line of defense in case of an accident. It’s one of those car parts that plays a crucial role when observing driver safety. The windshield also serves as a support for your car’s roof, and at the same time helps maintain the structural integrity of your four-wheeled friend.
When on the road, the windshield is usually the first thing that gets people’s attention, especially if it has cracks or scratches. When this is the case, replacing a windshield is an option you should consider.
Seven Signs You Need The Windshield Replaced
Many car owners tend to ignore the warning signs that they their windshields have to be replaced. Why? They worry about the cost and the inconvenience that this will bring. They fail to realize that a car windshield is their means of navigation while driving. When this is damaged, it can be a distraction and may even place their lives in danger.
How will you know that you need a new windshield? These are seven signs that you should watch out for, and these are listed below:
1. Cracked Windshield
Cracked windshields are dangerous simply because they increase your chances of getting into an accident. If the crack is large, it can be unsightly and your car loses points in the attraction criteria. A windshield replacement should become your priority here.
2. Chipped Windshield
A wandering bird or a small rock thrown towards your car can cause windshield chipping. The nice thing about chips, however, is that they can be easily repaired.
In many cases, chips are too small to be noticed, but the moment they start affect your driving view, then you’ll need the windshield replaced.This is especially true in bad weather when those chips can distort your vision.
3. White Corners
During the manufacturing process, car windshields are normally coated with Poly Vinyl Butral or PVB for short. It’s a special plastic that serves as a form of protection for your windshield. In the event of a collision, the windshield won’t shatter but will instead break up into tiny circular pieces, effectively preventing them from cutting you in half or slicing off your body parts.
Over time, this PVB coating can wear out and you might get to notice a white haze forming on the four corners of your car windshield. This means that the plastic coat is starting to loosen and you may need a new windshield.
A worn-out PVB may not have immediate impact on you; however it can put you at risk, especially when you get to drive under stormy weather when your chances of meeting a road accident are high.
4. The Safety Inspection Is Coming Up
Several states require a periodic vehicle safety inspection for car owners. Some people fail this inspection because of cracks, chips, or scratches on their windshields. If you live in a region where car safety inspection is mandatory, it’s best to check your windshield for any sign of damage; otherwise, the inspection team will place a fine on you for failing their test and will order you to replace your windshield.
5. An Obstructed View
This may seem weird, but it can happen that your windshield will block your view. When this is the case, there’s probably a small crack or a discoloration somewhere in your windshield.
Effective driving is dependent on your ability to make quick decisions. This can be difficult if you have an obstructive windshield. Making a driving mistake becomes likely and you could end up having either a damaged windshield or a wrecked car.
6. A Missing Windshield Part
If there’s a missing windshield part, it’s one obvious reason that you have to consider a windshields replacement. This part of your car is your primary means of protection and a missing bolt or screw will result in a sagging windshield. Eventually, bugs, flies, and the elements can come in and out of your vehicle, putting you and your passengers in great danger.
Windshields are not only designed as protective shields, they also provide structural support to your car by keeping the frame from sinking. If your windshield has a missing part, the glass will not be aligned properly, exposing the windshield to further damage.
7. The Harshness of Winter
Winter is often a difficult season for many people, but cars are not entirely exempted. Exposed to cold weather and the pressures brought by heavy snow, most vehicles end up having cracks, chips, fractures, and pits on their windshields.
Winter time is a crucial period in a windshield’s life. If you don’t protect it during the cold months, it could suffer from damages that can be irreparable. Check your car windshields once winter ends and if they don’t look good or if there are noticeable scratches and cracks, then you need the windshield replaced.
How to Care for Newly Replaced Windshield
When you decide to replace your windshield, the next step is to learn how to care for the new one. Follow the tips listed below to keep your new windshield in top form:
Wait for a while before you drive the car
There’s an adhesive that comes when you get a windshield replacement. It’s meant to keep your windshield in place even as it provides a waterproof seal.
For best results, you should allow at least a 24-hour-drying time for the adhesive. After that, another hour maybe needed to ensure that the adhesive has fully dried up, although the technicians will likely advise you of the best time to drive your car with its new windshield.
Before getting into your car, check for any shards of your old windshield that might have remained during the installation of the replacement. The technicians might have missed them so it’s best to observe caution.
Clear the area inside and out of your car
During the drying period, make sure that nothing will stick to the seal or push against it. The vehicle’s exterior should be left uncovered on the first day after installation with the windshield not placed under a sunshade. Also, clutter should not be found on your car dashboard.
Keep a window cracked open
As your new windshield begins to dry, be wary of air pressure that can stress out the seal.This can also cause leaks which is one of the signs of a bad windshield replacement. To prevent leaks from taking place, roll down your car windows and leave a one-inch opening. Ideally, this should be done a day after the installation of your new windshield.
Do not remove the retention tape
Car glass technicians normally use retention tapes as a means of holding the windshield moldings together. The moldings are designed to protect the seal from the elements while this is in the drying phase. They don’t look appealing, but don’t try to remove them until at least after a few days or when the technicians tell you that it’s safe to do so.
Avoid power washing and car washes
Bringing your car with its newly-installed windshield to high-pressure car washes, auto washes, and power washers is not recommended because this can result in damaged or misaligned moldings. It’s best to settle for the regular hand wash method for about two days after you replace your windshield.
Take it easy with the new windshield
Placing unnecessary stress on the adhesive while it sets around your glass windshield is not advisable. Strongly closing the car doors and driving along bumpy and pothole-filled roads are also big no-no’s. If you opt to do these things, they will impact on how your new windshield will eventually come out and you may need windshield replaced a second time.
Choose Northwest Collision Center For Your New Windshield
The cost of replacing a windshield can be scary. Northwest Collision Center will help you out with this concern.
Our team knows how to replace a windshield the safe, effective, and affordable way. Our advanced installation process can replace your old and damaged windshield without hassle and worry. With a new windshield, we can make your car look good.
If you notice any type of damage to your windshield, take your car to Auto Body Repair St. Petersburg, FL. Our team be more than happy to work on a replacement. Give us a call now for more details.
