5 Windshield & Auto Glass Problems You Need To Know About

Most people have experienced chips and cracks in their windshields. They can be annoying, but they can also be dangerous. But, there are 5 other potentially dangerous windshield problems that you need to be aware of. Here's what you need to know so you can avoid getting injured in a car accident.

Windshields Support Roofs

Windshields provide support to the roofs of cars. If a windshield has a flaw or is improperly sealed, the windshield will not be able to provide the roof with the support it needs in a rollover accident. A roof is more likely to cave in when a windshield has already been damaged prior to the rollover accident. Repair or replace your cracked windshield as soon as possible after the initial damage occurred. Speak with your car insurance agent regarding coverage. Windshield replacements are recommended when cracks are longer than 6 inches.

Some Airbags Need Support from Windshields

Airbags are deployed upon impact in an accident. In some vehicles, airbags use the windshields to push the life-saving device into the proper placement so the driver and passengers can be protected from serious injury. Cracks and other flaws in a windshield reduce the strength of the windshield, which can cause the windshield flaws to worsen and prevent the airbag from getting into the proper position.

To determine if your vehicle's airbags use the windshield, consult with your dealership or mechanic. Another important thing to consider if your vehicle falls in this category is to avoid hanging ornaments from the rear view mirror.

Rust Can Hide Underneath Windshields & Auto Glass Seals

Windshields and auto glass use seals to help keep them in place. If the seals are compromised, windshields and auto glass may pop out on impact. One thing that can compromise these seals is when there is rust where the seal attaches to the body of the vehicle.

When windshields and auto glass are replaced, sometimes small chips occur in the paint. If primer is not used to cover up the chips and scratches, rust can form. This can eventually cause the seals to become flawed due to the corrosion. Since the corrosion is initially hidden behind the seal, drivers may not realize they are in danger until the rust travels to a visible area beyond the seal.

Condensation Can Be Caused by a Bad Seal

A bad seal can cause moisture to leak into the interior of the vehicle. The moisture then condenses when the temperature drops below dew point. This condensation often occurs on the windshield, even though the bad seal may be located on another window of the vehicle.

Condensation on the windshield can block your visibility and make it difficult to drive. If the condensation is persistent, purchase some blackboard chalk to keep in your vehicle. The chalk will absorb the moisture inside your car, which should help reduce the condensation.

Chemicals in Cars Can Cloud Windshields

Chemicals in cars, especially new models, can cause your windshield and windows to become cloudy. The chemicals come from the factory and give new cars that undeniable new car smell. Over time, the chemicals in the fibers and materials outgas and dissipate onto the windshield. The cloudiness can easily distract a driver or block their view completely, particularly when the sun shines directly onto the cloudy film.

If you experience this problem, take your vehicle to the dealership where you bought the car to have it properly cleaned. You may experience this problem several times until the chemicals are done outgassing. Basically, you should no longer have the problem when the new car smell is gone.

Windshields and windows are designed to keep drivers and passengers safe. However, they can cause accidents and injuries when there is something wrong with them. For more information, contact an auto glass repair technician in your area.