Pitting is a problem that occurs when car glass has been damaged by the environment, like acid rain or extreme temperatures. Windshield pitting happens when the structural integrity of your windshield is compromised and small pieces of glass break off, leaving pitted holes on the surface of your windshield. Although it may not seem like a big deal at first glance, pitting can actually be very dangerous for you and others on the road!
Now that we know what pitting is and why it’s so dangerous to drive with an unsafe windshield, let’s take a look at preventing this problem, windshield pitting causes, and windshield pitting remedies.
What Causes Windshield Pitting?
The acid in rainwater is the most common culprit when it comes to windshield pitting. Acid rain occurs when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water vapor in the air. The resulting chemical reaction causes acidic particles—sulfuric acid or nitric acid—to enter our ecosystems through precipitation, leading to increased levels of pollution and lower pH levels in soil and bodies of water across North America every year
Acidic bird droppings and road salt also contribute to the erosion of your windshield’s glass. You may not be aware of this, but car wash soap can also cause damage if you’re not careful with how often you use it. Even “neutral” soaps are corrosive when left on the glass too long, so make sure to wipe down your car as soon as possible after a trip through the car wash!
Preventing Windshield Pitting
To prevent pitting, it’s important to keep the windshield clean. Wash your car regularly, and use a cleaner that is designed to remove bugs, bird droppings, and other contaminants.
Additionally, if you live in an area where road salt is used extensively during the winter months, consider installing a non-corrosive defroster wiper blade on your windshield for added protection against pitting.
Before each trip, carefully inspect your windshield for any chips or cracks. Make sure that there aren’t any tiny pieces of debris lodged in between the window panes that might cause further damage later on in the trip (this could happen after hitting a bumpy road). If there are any small chips in your windshield—even just one—get them repaired right away so they don’t get worse!
Repairing Pits in Your Windshield
Repairing the damage is a simple process, but it should be completed by a professional. It requires some basic tools, such as an angle grinder and safety goggles, but it’s not nearly as expensive as replacing the entire windshield. If you don’t repair the damage and it spreads or becomes more expensive to fix down the road, you could end up paying for two repairs instead of one.
If you are concerned about pitting to your car’s windshield, contact the experts at Bama Auto Glass today.