What is Windshield Pitting?

Once you’ve driven your car for a number of years, you may begin to notice a glare forming on your windshield. This can make driving challenging and even dangerous in some cases.

While glare on the windshield can be caused in a variety of ways, one way is windshield pitting. At Three Rivers Auto Glass, we’ve put together a guide on windshield pitting and what you can do to fix it.

Car Windshield What is Windshield Pitting?

Glass can become pitted by sand, gravel, dust, or other debris hitting the windshield while you are driving. This various debris is hitting your windshield at a high velocity which causes it to become embedded into the glass, where it creates a crater.

While these craters may not be a major issue at first, they can become a bigger issue as time goes on your windshield continues to be exposed to the debris.

Who is More Likely to Suffer from Windshield Pitting?

If you drive on a highway daily, glass pitting is more likely to happen. This is due to the high speed you are traveling at while on the highway. Also, if you drive in a dusty or sandy location often, it causes more debris to form that can lead to glass pitting.

Icy weather is another culprit of glass pitting. Road salt and sleet both can cause pitting in your windshield. Additionally, if your windshield comes in contact with certain chemicals or experiences frequent shifts in temperature, it can also cause pitting in the glass.

Is Windshield Pitting Dangerous?

If your car begins to suffer from window glare, then you are prone to a variety of safety hazards while out on the road, such as:

  • The way the light reflects off of the craters can cause temporary blindness and sunspots in your line of vision. This can limit your sight and result in a crash.
  • Your windshield wiper blades can become damaged by the craters and make them less effective at clearing off your windshield.
  • Over the years, the glass pitting can cause your windshield to become weaker. This can cause a major safety concern and means that you need to handle the glass pitting problem as soon as possible.

How Can I Fix Windshield Pitting?

For minor pits, the team at Three Rivers Auto Glass can smooth them out, but polishing your windshield may lead to an uneven surface and can also worsen the problem. We recommend that you replace your windshield to ensure your safety out on the road.

If you are in need of a windshield replacement, contact the experts at Three Rivers Auto Glass today!

Denny Toth
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