Knowing how to inspect your windshield for issues is one of the most important safety tasks you can do. The windshield provides 60% of a vehicle’s structural integrity during rollovers. It also needs to provide you with an unobstructed view of the road. During your inspection, look for visible damage, integrity of the seals, and optical clarity.

1. Check for Visual Damage

As you walk around your vehicle, look over the windshield’s surface. Doing this from many angles allows you to spot potential issues. You’re looking for things like small impact points with radiating lines. You’re also checking for lines that run across the glass. Take note of any cracks near the edges. These tend to spread fast and undermine the structural strength. Pitting is another issue to watch for. Sand and road debris cause these pockmarks, which create glare from oncoming headlights.

2. Test for Visibility and Distortion

Sit in the driver’s seat and look through the windshield the way you would while going down the road. Slowly move your head from side to side while staring at a fixed focal point. If lines appear to warp, wave, or blur, there are optical distortions on the glass. This can lead to disorientation while driving.

Watch for haze and cloudiness too, especially at the edges of the windshield. This indicates delamination, which is the separation of glass layers. This issue significantly weakens the windshield.

3. Inspect the Seals and Installation for Integrity

Seals and adhesive keep your windshield securely attached and prevent leaks. Spray your hose around the edge of the windshield. Afterward, check your dashboard and floors for any moisture that got in. You can also listen for whistling and whooshing while driving at high speeds. Air gets in when there are gaps in the adhesive or when the rubber seal is faulty. Another easy check is to simply press gently around the windshield’s edge. The molding should be tight.

4. Check Wipers and Sensors

Look for arc-shaped scratches that are caused by worn wiper blades. These scratches can trap dirt, which wears down the glass. If your vehicle had ADAS, inspect the camera located behind your rearview mirror. Damage that you find in this area may be interfering with your safety sensors.

If you discover windshield damage during your inspection, you need to call a professional windshield repair company. Promptly addressing issues will maintain your vehicle’s structural integrity. It also keeps small problems from escalating, which can affect your visibility. Ignoring windshield issues can lead to full replacements and potential fines. If you have concerns or require windshield replacement services, contact Auto Glass On The Move in Oakland, CA.