Can Wind Damage Your Windshield?

Damaged Windshield?

Cooler temperatures are on the way in Pittsburgh, and the temperamental weather usually includes its share of storms, some of which can be quite windy. Your windshield auto glass serves as a protectant from the elements, including wind, rain and hail.

Windshield Damage

While high winds itself generally cannot cause a windshield to crack, it is the debris during these winds that can pose a danger to your auto glass, including your mirrors and windshield. Rocks, tree branches and other flying debris are the primary cause of a cracked windshield during a storm, and if these issues are not immediately addressed, a small crack can soon lead to a larger one, even causing damage to the sealing and causing rain to leak inside.

Cracked Windshield Regulations in Pennsylvania

In regards to your windshield, Pennsylvania codes state the following: “…..There are defects in an acute area of the windshield—center of the critical area on the driver’s side of the vehicle directly in the driver’s normal line of vision, 8 1/2 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches high—or discolorations or hazardous cracks to the front, right, left or rear of the driver which would interfere with the driver’s vision.” Simply put, if your windshield is cracked, it may not pass inspection.

Although it may be tempting to let a small crack or a chip be for the time being, it is important to understand that once your auto glass has been penetrated in the form of a crack or chip, it is just a matter of time before that small defect becomes a larger one, which makes it not only illegal to drive, but is a potential hazard to yourself and others on the road.

Three Rivers Auto Glass is an authorized auto glass provider with electronic billing through LYNX Services and all other glass networks. With 7 convenient locations in and around the Pittsburgh area, Three Rivers auto glass makes it easy to have your windshield or auto glass claims processed quickly and easily. Their superior windshield replacement service ensures that you are getting the best product at competitive prices with a commitment to customer service that is unmatched in the industry.

For more information on Three Rivers Auto Glass windshield replacement and auto glass services, contact them today for a FREE estimate!

Denny Toth