Spiderweb cracks and chips in your windshield are obvious signs of serious damage, but wear and tear can be just as dangerous. Over time, sand and dust blowing against your auto glass can cause minor imperfections capable of creating sudden glare. Below is a guide to windshield pitting and when you should take your car to an auto glass specialist.

What Is Windshield Pitting?

A single grain of sand may not do much damage to highly engineered auto glass. However, as you drive down the road, grit and dust particles impact the windshield at high speeds, causing tiny craters in the surface. In severe cases, pitting can actually affect the structural integrity of your windshield.

What Are the Causes of Windshield Pitting?

Grit blowing against the windshield acts much like sandpaper grinding away at the glass. Years of direct sunlight, pollution, and other environmental factors also weaken the glass, making it more vulnerable to wear and tear. Vehicles in cold-weather environments also have to contend with road salt, which further corrodes auto glass.

Why Is Windshield Pitting Dangerous?

Nearly invisible surface damage may not seem as dangerous as obvious scratches and cracks, but they can seriously reduce visibility. Light hitting a surface refracts in unpredictable ways, which can make driving at night even more hazardous than usual.

Light from oncoming vehicles and streetlights can cause sudden glare, creating a blind spot that may obscure a car or other hazards. This momentary blindness can be enough to cause a serious accident that could have been avoided.

What Can You Do About the Issue?

Localized auto glass damage can often be repaired by a skilled professional. However, pitting is usually more widespread, which means the entire windshield will typically have to be replaced. If you’ve noticed strange glare spots or areas that never seem to get clean, schedule an inspection by an auto glass professional as soon as possible.

Whether you’ve been in an accident or are dealing with pitting issues, turn to The Auto Glass Company for fast, effective results at affordable prices. They serve drivers throughout Lincoln, Saint Charles, and St. Louis counties, and have built a reputation for delivering exceptional service on every job, big or small. Visit their website for more on their auto glass services, or call (636) 697-7222 to schedule an inspection today.