Windscreen Safety: How to Identify and Deal with Window Pitting

Having a fully functional and visually intact windscreen can be easy to take for granted. We all recognise having a safe, secure and undamaged windscreen has a substantial impact on our visibility and our safety. Unfortunately, small damages can be easily missed. When they are found, they’re often overlooked as a serious safety hazard simply due to their size which can delay a prompt repair. Although seemingly harmless, those small craters in your windscreen, known as window pitting, are not as harmless as you’d think. Window pitting also occurs slowly over time, adding to the reasons why it isn’t initially noticed by car owners. However, the wear and tear it has on your vehicle can greatly reduce your safety and cause visibility as well as appearance problems. As today’s window pitting becomes tomorrow’s more serious problem, Novus Autoglass is here to echo the importance of regular surveillance of your windscreen and what to do if you identify windshield pitting.

What is Windscreen Pitting?

Windscreen pitting is natural wear and tear on your windshield often caused by sand, dust, small stones and other debris from the road. These particles are much smaller than objects that cause cracks and chips, yet they can accumulate and cause damage over time. Once these particles collide with your windscreen, particularly at high speeds, they can become embedded in your windshield. This is more likely to happen if you drive frequently on the highway, as you drive at high speeds for most of your route. Driving on busy roads also has an increased risk, as cars around also help kick up debris. If you like to go 4WD, you need to also be aware that sand on your windscreen is more than just a bit of dirt.

Over time, those specks of sand add up and can form a pitted windshield, which will gradually obstruct the driver’s visibility. Studies have also shown that patterns of windscreen pitting occur especially if you regularly drive in an area with more debris. If this is you, it’s particularly important to give your windscreen a one-over to check for pitting.

Why is it important to repair window pitting early?

Windshields can be hard to repair no matter the issue, however, pitted windscreens are increasingly difficult to repair. That’s why it’s important to regularly check over your vehicle and learn how to identify the early signs of windscreen damage.

If a driver delays their windscreen repair for too long, windshield pitting will worsen. A seemingly small and harmless pit will eventually create a foggy effect on the glass, reducing your visibility on the road, and requiring a bigger repairal. Repairing is caring, so if your window pitting is identified early and serviced, the good news is that there’s a higher chance you will be able to have the pits polished, postponing the need for a windscreen replacement and increasing the life of your windshield.

How is windscreen pitting dangerous?

Reduced visibility

As earlier mentioned, windshield pitting is a result of seemingly harmless debris hitting your windscreen repeatedly over time. The result is small craters or bubbles in your windshield. What makes these pits dangerous is their ability to distort your vision when the sun hits your windscreen and reflects in different directions. This also goes for street lights and other cars headlights reflecting on your windshield at night. Even just one crater in your windscreen can cause the light to hit a certain way and potentially damage your sight or temporarily blind you. Although small, window pitting has the potential to become a major road safety hazard.

Weaker protection

Besides reduced visibility, windscreen pitting also makes your windshield more susceptible to damage and less secure. This is a significant safety compromise when it’s your windshield duty to protect you during a collision, as well as withstanding a break-in or carjacking. As a pitted windshield is more likely to shatter and compromise your safety, it is vital you book in for a windscreen repair when you first see signs of damage. Windscreen pitting also only gets worse with time. If nothing is done about them promptly, they can eventuate into cracks creating further windshield damage, reduced safety and a larger repair fee. When it comes to the safety of you and your passenger, windscreen pitting puts you in more danger if you were to be caught in an accident. Windscreen pitting compromise in safety makes this repair one you don’t want to delay.

Ineffective windscreen wipers

Left untreated, windscreen pitting can wreak havoc on your windscreen wipers, and render them ineffective. Even a single pit can cause your wiper to lose its shape and break. This ultimately can damage your windscreen or reduce your wipers ability at keeping water off your windscreen, decreasing your visibility. As poor visibility is a factor in 65% of car crashes, booking in for a windscreen repair is vital for your safety.

How to remove windscreen pitting

When windscreen pitting appears, your safety is being put at risk. Remember, decreased visibility is just one of the dangers of window pitting. Window cracks, weakened protection and an increased chance of windscreen shattering during a collision are all potential hazards of an untreated windscreen pit. Only an intact windshield can provide optimal protection during car accidents, which is why windshield repair must be made a priority. If you notice a persistent glare on your windshield, even if it’s not on the driver’s side, it is important to get your windshield evaluated by an auto repair technician.

At Novus Autoglass, our experienced technicians can determine the damage to your windscreen as well as provide the appropriate care. Our certified professionals provide very consultation with technical advice and provide services to your windscreen needs, ensuring your safety and visibility on the road. Contact Novus Autoglass today on 13 22 34 to book a service. If you’re interested in learning how to properly protect your windshield from damage, you can visit our blog, where we regularly discuss vehicle safety.