Pitting and Hazing: How It Affects Your Windshield and What You Can Do

Hazing and pitting on your car's windshield can lead to glare and visibility problems, so repairs should not be postponed. Your insurance may even cover part or all of the cost, depending on your coverage and whether the damage was caused due to neglect or because of something out of your control, like a sandstorm.

Risk Factors

Some vehicles never experience badly pitted or hazed windows, while others seem to have ongoing issues. Generally, the front windshield seems to suffer the most, but the side and rear windows can also be affected depending on the cause. Knowing the cause can narrow down the type of pitting, which can guide repair and prevention decisions.

Road Conditions

Windshield problems are more common for cars that spend a lot of time on dirt and gravel roads. Dust kicked up on these roads has a sandblast effect. Dirt roads leave behind small etchings that create a permanent haze, while deeper pits are more common on gravel roads. Paved roads that are sanded or salted in winter can cause similar issues. 

Windy Areas

High winds can create sandblasting conditions, particularly if you drive or park in areas with lots of bare dirt and dust that gets swept around. The constant exposure to blowing debris will first haze the window, but eventually deeper pits will form.

Windshield Grit

Dust, dirt, pollen, and other debris collect on the windshield and wiper blades. This grit acts like sandpaper on the glass if you then use the wipers without any moisture present to lubricate them, or if you have worn-out wipers that trap grit. The grit will grind into the glass, creating etching and hazing.

Hard Water

Not all hazing is caused by etching on the glass. Minerals like calcium can be left behind after water on your car evaporates. The minerals then build up on the glass and create a haze that won't wash off with normal means. Over time, the minerals left behind can act like grit when the wipers are in use, which will lead to more permanent hazing.

Repair Options

Hazing and pitting can sometimes be fixed. This is because auto glass is made of several layers laminated together. If the damage doesn't completely penetrate through a layer, the glass can sometimes be repaired. 

Residue Removal

The easiest type of hazing to remove is hazing caused by hard mineral build-up, especially if the glass has yet to experience scratches and pits. Your auto glass service can use special cleaners to dissolve the mineral buildup. They can then buff and wax the glass to fill in any small scratches that remain.

Buff and Polish

Deeper hazing that is a result of scratches and pits can only be fixed if the problem is minor and doesn't penetrate too deeply. For this reason, it makes sense to act quickly when you first notice hazing effects. Your glass technicians will sand out the pitting, and then they will buff and polish the windshield surface until it is smooth and clear again.

Windshield Replacement

It can be better to replace the windshield if the pitting is pervasive over the whole piece of glass, simply because it may not be possible to buff it all out. The windshield also must be replaced if the damage penetrates one of the laminated layers of glass. 

Prevention Tactics

When you can't prevent damage, the best option is to get it repaired soon so it doesn't get worse. Then after that repair, you can practice some preventative tactics to ensure your new or repaired windshield doesn't suffer the same types of damage. 

Driving Habits

Good driving habits that focus on avoiding windshield damage can prevent a lot of hazing. For example, when driving on dirt roads, leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you so that less sandblasting occurs. Do the same on gravel roads and debris-covered paved roads. 

Parking Selection

If environmental sandblasting is a concern, such as in areas prone to wind storms, then where you park really matters. If you can't park in a garage or carport, then choose an area that is shielded from the prevailing direction of the wind. This may mean parking next to a fence that acts as a windbreak, or reversing into a driveway so the windshield isn't getting the direct force of the wind.

Wiper Care

Finally, never overlook good windshield wiper maintenance as an effective way to stop hazing. Replace wiper blades at least once a year, and more frequently if they look worn. Keep your windshield wiper fluid full so that the window can always be lubricated before using the wipers. It's also a good idea to clean off the wiper blades occasionally to remove any grit. 

There's no need to live with glaring from etched auto glass. Contact MS Glass Outlet if you need help with a hazy or pitted windshield.