When you see a crack in your car's windshield, it may seem like a small issue. However, even small cracks can quickly become larger if left untreated. Cracks can also compromise visibility and make driving more dangerous. If you learn to recognize the danger signs your car needs a new windshield, you can address the problem before it gets worse and save yourself and other drivers from potential hazards. Here are some of the most common indicators that your car needs a new windshield.
Multiple Cracks or Chips
Small cracks in your windshield could turn into large cracks in a matter of hours if you don't take the issue seriously. If you see multiple cracks or chips in your windshield, it's time to get your windshield replaced before it creates additional problems. Furthermore, if your windshield has multiple chips, you should have it replaced as soon as possible. Chips in the windshield are caused by rocks and other debris hitting your windshield at high speeds. Chips can easily turn into cracks, which could be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road. Large chips or cracks in your windshield can significantly reduce visibility. Even tiny chips can be dangerous if they are located in the driver's line of sight.
Discoloration in Your Windshield
Do you notice a brown or black discoloration in your windshield that doesn't go away with cleaning? This is a sign that you have a leak in your windshield that needs to be addressed because it could lead to additional windshield issues such as a crack, breakage, and water damage. The leak could be caused by various issues such as a poor windshield seal, a crack, or a broken weather stripping seal. Chips or cracks in your windshield can also cause discoloration, but the discoloration from a leak will remain even after the chip or crack is repaired. This means you’ll need a windshield replacement.
Strange Noises When Driving
A slight crack or a small chip in your windshield isn't necessarily cause for alarm if you don't hear strange noises when driving. However, if you hear clicking, squeaking, or grinding noises coming from your windshield, it's an indication that you have more serious windshield problems. Windshield noises usually come from broken or loose windshield components such as the windshield wipers, the rear-window wiper, or the windshield seal. A broken or loose seal can also cause water to leak into your car and lead to water damage.
Fogging Near the Edges of Your Windshield
Fogging near the edges of your windshield is usually a sign that there's a problem with the windshield seal. If the seal has deteriorated, water may leak into your car and cause fogging near the edges of your windshield. Fogging may also indicate a more serious problem, such as mold or bacterial growth beneath the windshield seal. If your windshield seal has a small crack, water could leak into your car and cause fogging near the edges of the windshield. If your windshield seal has deteriorated, you may also notice water leaking into your car.
Distortion
A small crack or chip in your windshield may cause some distortion in your view, but it probably won't affect your ability to drive at night. However, if your windshield has a large crack or discoloration, it could significantly impair your view while driving at night. If your windshield has a large crack or a large percentage of the windshield is cracked, you may want to consider getting a new windshield. A crack or discoloration in your windshield could get larger and could eventually break your windshield.
If your car needs a new windshield, you'll need to decide how to proceed. You can take your car to an auto repair shop to have the windshield replaced or have a repairman come to you. You may also want to consider whether your insurance will cover some or all of the cost. Before you decide, however, it's important to know the signs that your car needs a new windshield. By recognizing these signs, you can get your windshield replaced before it creates more serious problems.
