If you’re anything like me, the words “windshield pitting” might sound like some obscure term from a mechanic’s jargon-laden playbook.
But, trust me, it’s simpler than it sounds, and more importantly, it’s something all of us vehicle owners should be savvy about.
So, let’s embark on a journey to demystify the phenomenon of windshield pitting.
By the end of this read, you’ll be armed with knowledge that will make you the veritable Sherlock Holmes of windshield mysteries.
Let’s get cracking!
What Is Windshield Pitting?
Windshield pitting is a fancy term for a windshield speckled with tiny marks, impressions, dots, or pits. These micro craters are caused by all sorts of things, like dust, sand, or even those poor insects who chose the wrong time to cross the road.
See, each time these tiny projectiles collide with your windshield, they can leave these minuscule specks. Over time, your windshield may start to resemble a connect-the-dots page with these micro craters scattered all over.
Now, this isn’t some apocalyptic, vehicle-end-of-days scenario. But, like most things in life, the more nuggets of knowledge you have, the better armed you are for whatever it flings your way.
What Does Windshield Pitting Look Like?
There are many analogies that can be used to described what pitting looks like.
Windshield pitting looks like acne or chickenpox for your car’s windshield.
Another example is if you picture a night sky speckled with stars. Now replace the night sky with your windshield, and the stars with tiny, almost invisible specks. That’s windshield pitting in a nutshell.
It basically looks like a group of microscopic specks on your windshield.
But here’s the catch: these pits aren’t always easy to spot. They’re like those sneaky ninjas in movies, hard to see until they catch the light at the right angle.
One way to identify windshield pitting is by looking at your windshield against a light source, like the sun or a streetlight. If you notice a weird scattering of light or a slight distortion in your view, it might be time to investigate for pitting.
Here is a video example of what windshield pitting looks like:
How Does Windshield Pitting Occur?
First, let’s do a quick recap.
Windshield pitting is like a freckle outbreak on your car’s windshield. It often gets confused with the term windshield delamination, but that is a whole other topic.
So, how do these little pits, or “freckles,” even come into existence in the first place? Glad you asked!
Imagine you’re driving down a dusty road, or maybe it’s a windy day at a sandy beach, or perhaps an unfortunate bug decides to make a kamikaze dive right at your windshield.
Each collision, whether with a grain of sand, a dust particle, or a bug, can leave a tiny mark or pit on your windshield.
Over time, these add up and become what we refer to as windshield pitting.
But, how does a single grain of sand or a tiny dust particle cause damage to a strong windshield?
When these particles hit your windshield, they act like miniature projectiles. It’s like throwing a rock into a lake.
The rock itself may not be a big deal, but the ripples it creates? That’s where the real action is.
Similarly, when these micro-projectiles hit your windshield at high speeds, they leave behind tiny craters.
Over time, these craters accumulate and create a pitted surface, disrupting the smoothness of your windshield.
The interesting thing about windshield pitting is that it’s a cumulative process. You won’t see massive changes overnight.
It’s more like that old jeans wear-out effect. Initially, it’s just a thread here, a thread there.
But over time, you’ve got yourself a stylishly ripped pair of jeans.
Except, of course, unlike ripped jeans, a pitted glass windshield isn’t really a hot trend.
It can obscure your vision and cause the light to scatter in ways that make it harder to see, especially during sunrise or sunset.
How Windshield Pitting Affects Driving Safety
It’s all a game of light and sight that can play tricks on your eyes.
Imagine you’re driving into a beautiful sunset. Romantic, right?
But here’s the kicker. If your windshield is pitted, the sun’s rays scatter when they hit these pits.
Instead of a calm sunset, you’re faced with a blinding glare. Not so romantic anymore, is it?
Or consider driving at night.
The pits on your windshield can cause streetlights or headlights to starburst or halo.
It’s like being at a disco party, minus the fun music and dance moves.
The Danger Lurking In The Pits
So, we’ve established that windshield pitting can cause some pretty trippy visual effects. But how does that affect your safety?
Imagine again that you’re driving down a familiar road.
Suddenly, due to the glare or the distorted light, you miss a stop sign, or a pedestrian, or a car coming from the other side.
You see where I’m going with this, right?
The reduced visibility caused by windshield pitting can affect your reaction time and decision-making, increasing the risk of accidents.
In a nutshell, a pitted windshield can turn a routine drive into a high-stakes obstacle course.
Another danger is the fact that pitting can reduce the effectiveness of your wiper blades.
In some cases, heavy pitting can even damage your wipers, causing the lifespan of your wiper blades to reduce.
How To Repair A Pitted Windshield
Unfortunately, there is no reliable way to repair a pitted windshield in DIY fashion.
There are tutorials out there that claim polishing and buffing your windshield can remove and restore the pitted glass surface.
However, this can often make the pitting worse, resulting in an even more uneven surface from where you started.
Therefore, it is important to first assess and scrutinize your windshield.
Snap up a flashlight, hold it against your windshield at a strategic angle, and let the inspection commence. If you’re squinting to see the pits, it’s likely a minor issue.
But, if your windshield appears to show excessive sand pitting to the point where it looks like it survived a one-on-one with a sandblasting machine, you need to call the professionals.
Should this be the case, then it is time to replace your windshield.
Preventive Measures Against Windshield Pitting
To avoid the worst-case-scenario associated with the expensive costs of replacing your windshield, let’s take a look at the maintenance steps you can take to protect your windshield from pitting.
Regular Cleaning
Step one is basic but crucial. Regular cleaning, my friends.
A clean windshield is like a well-groomed pet – less likely to cause problems.
Be sure to wipe off dirt and grime to prevent them from pitting over time.
Go for a top-shelf glass cleaner, snatch up a soft microfiber cloth, and treat your windshield to a spa day – regularly, mind you.
Quality Windshield Protectant
Splurge a little on a quality windshield protection film – consider it an investment for your ride.
This wonder-product acts like a bodyguard, taking the hit from the elements to keep your windshield safe from the onslaught of debris.
Think of it as a shield for your windshield.
Mindful Parking
I know, I know, finding the perfect parking spot is as rare as finding a unicorn.
But try to park in areas where your car is less exposed to debris.
Covered parking, garages, or at least away from trees or construction sites can make a significant difference.
Avoid Tailgating
We all have places to be, but tailgating, especially behind large trucks or vehicles, can increase your car’s exposure to flying debris.
Keep a safe distance to reduce the risk of pitting.
Regular Check-ups
Lastly, regular check-ups are key.
Regularly inspect your windshield for signs of minor pitting and address them before they get worse.
Remember, a small pit is easier (and cheaper) to fix than a severely pitted windshield.
Conclusion
We’ve run the gamut on windshield pitting, from what it is to how to fix it and even how to prevent it.
Just remember, it’s more than just an aesthetic issue.
It’s a matter of safety – your safety – and that’s something we should never skimp on.
So, let’s keep our windshields clean, our eyes on the road, and as always, drive like the whole world’s watching.