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Looking Glass
- Your windshield provides up to 45% of your vehicle's structural strength during a front-end collision and up to 60% during a rollover, depending on the vehicle's design.
- The passenger-side airbag uses the windshield as a backstop to help protect occupants during deployment.
- Modern windshields are made from two layers of glass bonded to a plastic interlayer, allowing them to crack without shattering into dangerous pieces.
- Many newer vehicles have cameras and sensors mounted to the windshield for features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
- A properly installed windshield is just as important as the glass itself. The correct adhesive and safe drive-away time help ensure it performs as designed in a collision.
- Windshields block nearly 100% of harmful UVB rays and a significant amount of UVA rays, helping protect both passengers and your vehicle's interior.
- Tiny pits caused by years of driving can reduce visibility at night by increasing glare from headlights, even if the windshield has no major cracks.
- Windshield glass is one of the most engineered safety components on your vehicle—it's far more than just a piece of glass.
Experienced professionals dedicated to your success.
Proven results that speak for themselves.
🚪 1. Go Easy on the Doors
For the first 24 hours, avoid slamming your vehicle's doors whenever possible. The sudden change in air pressure can place unnecessary stress on a newly installed windshield while the adhesive continues to cure.
🚿 2. Skip the High-Pressure Wash
Avoid automatic car washes and high-pressure water for the first 24 hours, or follow the instructions provided by your technician. This helps protect the new seal while the adhesive reaches its full strength.
🟨 3. Leave the Retention Tape On
If your technician applied retention tape, leave it in place for 24 hours, or until instructed otherwise. The tape helps keep moldings secure and minimizes movement while the adhesive cures.
Knowing when to replace your windshield can help keep you safe on the road. Here are some common signs our technicians look for.
🟡 HAVE IT INSPECTED
📍 Edge Damage
Damage near the edge can affect the windshield differently and may be more likely to spread.
🕸️ Cracks That Are Growing
Temperature changes, road vibration, and everyday driving can cause existing damage to spread.
👀 Pitting & Poor Visibility
Years of tiny impacts can create glare and reduce visibility through the windshield.
🔎 Previous Damage
Older repairs or existing damage should be evaluated to determine whether repair or replacement makes sense.
🔴 REPLACEMENT MAY BE NEEDED
🕸️ A Long or Spreading Crack
Damage that has spread substantially may no longer be suitable for a simple chip repair.
👁️ Damage Affecting Your View
Damage in the driver's critical viewing area deserves professional evaluation.
💥 Multiple Cracks or Impact Points
Several damaged areas can make repair impractical.
🛡️ Severe or Complex Damage
When damage is too extensive for a safe repair, windshield replacement may be the appropriate option.
⭐ DON'T DIAGNOSE IT FROM A PICTURE.
Windshield damage isn't one-size-fits-all. The size, location, depth, type of damage, and the windshield itself all matter. Let Hudson's inspect it and tell you whether repair or replacement makes sense.
When it comes to your windshield, safety comes first
⭐ Hudson's Recommendation
If you're not sure whether your windshield needs to be replaced, let one of our experienced technicians take a look. We'll inspect the size, location, and severity of the damage and give you an honest recommendation based on what's safest for you and your vehicle.