Is your windshield starting to look hazy? This could be a sign that your windshield has been sandblasted. Over time, dirt, sand, and other debris can lead to sand damage on your auto glass. Make sure you schedule Baytown windshield repair as soon as possible! Sandblasted windshields can be dangerous for you and your passengers. If you have this issue with your glass, there are several things you can do to help prevent the process!
What is a Sandblasted Windshield? Do I Need Baytown Windshield Repair for it?
First things first, what is a sandblasted windshield? Essentially, it’s what happens when small stuff like dust, dirt, and sand hit your windshield repeatedly over time. Even though sand isn’t enough to crack the glass, it can still leave really tiny dents and holes in the top layer of your windshield.
Now, this isn’t typically too much to worry about, as the damage is so small you likely don’t even see it. However, over time, these small damages can add up and start to make your windshield look worn and hazy. When this happens, you need Baytown auto glass repair or replacement. Sandblasted windshields can put your safety and your passengers’ safety at risk.
Sandblasted Windshields can be Dangerous
Why should you worry about sandblasted windshields? Because it can be dangerous to drive around with one!
Here’s the thing – any time a driver’s visibility is affected, there’s a bigger chance of a crash. A hazy windshield can make it hard to see cars, accidents, road debris, and other hazards in enough time to stop or avoid them.
It’s like looking at yourself in a foggy mirror after taking a shower. You can see your general outline, maybe where your eyes and nose are, but you can’t easily see what color your eyes are or what your hair really looks like. This fuzzy image is difficult to really evaluate.
While it may not be a big deal to not be able to see exactly what you look like after a shower, it’s absolutely important to see details of the road when you’re driving. It may make the difference between avoiding a crash or getting into one. That’s why we recommend Baytown windshield repair for sand damaged windshields.
Also, these small holes in the windshield in a sandblasted windshield can also reflect light differently. This can essentially sun-blind (or headlight-blind) you while you’re driving. This can make it difficult to see, and is a common cause of accidents.
Finally, sandblasted auto glass is weaker than a windshield in good condition. While some mild sand damage that isn’t really visible is fine, once it becomes noticeable, your windshield may not be as strong as it used to be. This can make your windshield more prone to chips and cracks. It may also be more likely to break during a car crash. So, make sure you protect everyone in your car and get Baytown windshield repair ASAP if you notice sandblasting on your windshield.
What Causes a Sandblasted Windshield?
We’ve already talked about how sand, dirt, dust, and small debris causes the sandblasted effect on your windshield. However, you might be wondering what you’re doing that might make it worse.
Tailgaters beware, as this is the most common reason for sandblasted windshields. If you tailgate regularly, you might want to set aside a special fund for frequent Baytown auto glass repair.
When we drive, dirt and debris on the road gets kicked up by our back tires. This is just a fact of life, there’s not a lot we can do about it. However, if you’re following too closely behind someone, it’s more likely that all that stuff is going to hit your windshield instead of just falling back down to the road.
However, you could have a sandblasted windshield even if you don’t tailgate other drivers. For example, if you regularly drive through construction, rural dirt roads, or other rough terrain, then you might be more likely to need Baytown windshield repair for sand damage. This is because there tends to be a lot more dust, dirt, sand, and debris on these roads, so your windshield is exposed to it more often and in higher concentrations.
Also, windy days that kick up a lot of dirt, leaves, and other debris could leave you with a sandblasted windshield. When the wind picks these things up, they can scrape your windshield along the way. This is especially true if your car is dirty and already has plenty of grime on the glass already when the wind picks up.
How does Baytown Windshield Repair for Sand Damaged Windshields Work?
Luckily, in many cases sandblasted windshields are repairable. If you schedule Baytown windshield repair as soon as you start to notice the sandblasting, there’s a good chance that you’ve caught it in time before your windshield is too far gone.
Typically, we can repair mild amounts of sand damage so long as it’s not too deep. How we repair it depends on the damage, but we often use special polishing tools and agents to help restore your windshield.
Our expert auto glass technicians may be able to buff out the damage to help you continue driving with your current windshield. However, in some cases Baytown windshield repair may not be an option.
What if Baytown Windshield Repair isn’t an Option?
If your windshield is in really bad shape, then we might not be able to repair the damage safely. For example, if you have really severe sandblasting, repair might not help keep your windshield safe, strong, and clear.
In these cases, we may recommend a replacement windshield. While a more expensive option, this may also be the safest option for your car.
Our technicians will assess the damage to see if repair is an option. If not, we’ll work with you to find the right options for your car and budget. For example, you may be able to go through your car insurance for a replacement, or we can look at aftermarket replacement windshields to help save you money. Our goal is to provide you with the safest, most cost-effective options and services.
How to Prevent Windshield Sandblasting
While Baytown windshield repair may help restore your sandblasted windshield, I think we can all agree it’s better to avoid the damage in the first place!
To some extent, sandblasting is inevitable. If your windshield is quite old, it’s likely come in contact with a lot of different debris while driving.
However, there are some things you can do to help slow the damage, such as:
- Don’t tailgate!
- Avoid dirt roads and road construction as much as possible
- Keep your car inside a garage or under a cover when you’re not driving
Taking these steps can help you reduce the risk of a sandblasted windshield, but you may still need Baytown windshield repair for sand damage at one point or another.
Call our Baytown Windshield Repair Specialists Today!
Whether you’ve got sand damage, chips, or cracks, choose our team at Joey’s Glass for your windshield repair needs. We provide the highest quality services at affordable prices to help keep you and your passengers safe. Our certified technicians can take care of your auto glass in-shop or while you’re on the go. Don’t forget about our other glass services for Baytown commercial glass and the glass in your home! Call us today at (281) 427-4705 for a free quote!