If you’re like most vehicle owners, you don’t worry about your auto glass very often. And if you’re like some vehicle owners, you don’t even worry about your windshield when you can clearly see glaring cracks or chips. But ignoring damaged auto glass could seriously endanger your and your passengers’ safety. To protect yourself and anyone who rides in your vehicle, if head to an auto glass repair shop if you ever notice any of the issues below.
Pitting
If you ever notice your windshield appears to be distorting your view of the road, take a closer look at the glass to see if there are a multitude of tiny craters present. If you can see sections of the glass that appear to be worn down (almost as if the glass was sanded with something abrasive), that’s called pitting, and you need to have it repaired.
Pitting is typically the result of long-term windshield exposure to sand or other road debris, and when it’s severe, windshield replacement is almost always necessary. Since this type of glass damage can cause serious glare that may put your safety at risk on the road, head to an auto glass repair shop as soon as you become aware of the damage.
Scratches, Chips, or Cracks
This should really go without saying, but an alarming number of drivers don’t get auto glass repairs even when there are glaring chips, cracks, or scratches in their auto glass. Keep in mind that driving with a damaged windshield is illegal in the state of Minnesota, so if you get pulled over for speeding, you’ll likely get a ticket for that glass crack or chip too.
Aside from the legality issue, driving with a damaged windshield only encourages that damage to spread, so if you want to protect your safety on the road, windshield repairs are crucial.
Poor-Quality Windshield Replacement
The signs of a poor-quality windshield replacement aren’t always immediately or glaringly evident, but if you think you might be dealing with this issue, take care of it asap. Some red flags to keep an eye (or ear) out for include:
● Loud whooshing noises when you drive at higher speeds
● Wavy-looking glass
● Rattling noises when you drive that sound as though they’re coming from the front of the vehicle
● Moisture on your dashboard after it rains
● Glass that appears to protrude above the frame of the vehicle when you look at the windshield from the outside
An improperly installed windshield is a serious safety hazard as it may detach from the frame of your vehicle in the event of a collision. Since that glass is crucial for supporting the vehicle’s structural integrity and preventing passenger ejection, it’s imperative that you visit an auto glass repair shop if you suspect there’s anything wrong with a previous windshield installation.
Windows That Don’t Function Properly
If any of your windows don’t roll up or down as they should, or if your side mirrors won’t operate properly, it’s time to visit an auto glass repair shop. Any window or rearview mirror that doesn’t function the way it should can put your safety at risk, so it’s in your best interest to have the damage taken care of as promptly as possible.
Growing Damage After a Previous Windshield Repair
If your windshield previously had a crack or chip repair and you believe the damage is starting to spread, head to an auto glass repair shop as soon as you can. The initial repair may not have been performed properly, or the damage may be spreading due to temperature fluctuations. Regardless of what’s causing the previously repaired damage to spread, you must have it professionally addressed to prevent the damage from putting your safety at risk.
Need Auto Glass Repairs Near St. Paul, MN?
Looking for an auto glass repair shop you can trust? Head on over to Only 1 Auto Glass or get in touch with us today to schedule mobile repairs! We’ve proudly served the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro for over a decade and our 15 metro locations make getting auto glass repairs as convenient as possible. To schedule service, call us today at 651-789-1111 or request a free estimate, and we’ll get in touch!