5 Warning Signs You Need to Replace Your Windshield

1. Impaired Visibility

If your windshield has a crack that impairs your road view, replace it. When driving, you will face many situations that demand you to make split-second decisions. If a crack makes it appear that the approaching vehicle is far off when it's near, you risk getting into a collision.



Moreover, the minor crack may develop into a spider-web crack with time due to debris impacts and temperature changes. Hence, replace it early when the damage is still minimal.

2. Larger Cracks or Chips

A tiny chip or crack is fixable by injecting a clear, curable resin on the outer layer. But if a crack is over three inches long or a chip is larger than the diameter of a quarter, repairs alone may not cut it. The best option is to get a new windshield.

Also, windshield replacement will be an emergency issue if the depth of the crack extends to the inner layer of the auto glass. In such a case, even a small impact will be enough to shatter the entire windshield.

3. Pitted Auto Glass

If your daily commute involves driving through high-traffic or damaged roads, your windshield is hit by flying debris, including dust, gravel, and tiny rocks from other vehicles. Over time, you may notice pits on the surface of your auto glass.



Because they scatter reflected light in your eyes, these pits are particularly harmful, making it difficult to focus on the road. During rainstorms, the pits also prevent water from clearing quickly through your windshield, distorting your view of the lane. Getting a new windshield is a sure way to protect yourself and your passengers.

4. White Hazes at the Edges

For safety reasons, your vehicle's windshield has a thin layer of plastic called Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB). During an accident or high-impact frontal collision, the special layer absorbs much of the impact to prevent the glass from breaking into shards. This can save you from injuries due to broken glass.



If you see white hazes on the edges of your windshield, the PVB layer may be separating from the glass. In the event of a crash, you have a higher risk of sharp pieces of broken glass flying inward to cause serious harm. Don't take chances — replace the windshield immediately for your safety and peace of mind.

5. Missing Windshield Parts

While this sign might appear a bit obvious, you'd be surprised at the number of car owners that try to make do with tape, clear tarps, and other quick fixes. Unfortunately, a windshield doesn't just keep bugs and elements from your car — it also provides critical structural support for your vehicle's frame.

Failure to promptly replace a missing or damaged windshield can cause the frame to sag. And when you finally seek auto glass replacement, you’ll likely have glass alignment issues.

6. Incorrect Installation

If you have recently bought a car, whether new or used, inspect the windshield thoroughly. Occasionally, the windshield had a bad installation. While this is more common with replacement windshields, it can also occur at the factory. Maybe the installers didn’t properly seat the glass to allow a strong seal or seal the stripping on the edges right. A windshield replacement before getting on the road is a smart idea.

Driving around with a damaged windshield is unsafe for you and your passengers. Contact our experts at Coats Auto Body & Paint for all your windshield replacement needs