What is Windscreen Pitting?

When we talk about caring for your vehicle glass, we all too often overlook the dangers associated with windscreen pitting. This issue, while not always dangerous, can affect your vision and the overall look of your car. So, what exactly is windscreen pitting? And, more importantly, what can you do about it?

Over the course of this brief explainer, we’ll explore what windscreen pitting is, what causes it, the different types of pitting you might encounter, and whether it’s possible to fix it. By the end, we hope you’ll be left with a much clearer understanding of how to take care of your windscreen and avoid the perils of windscreen pitting.

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Windscreen Pitting Explained

Windscreen pitting refers to the tiny, often barely noticeable, indentations that form on the surface of your windscreen over time. These tiny marks or “pits” are usually the result of various debris, dirt, and loos grit hitting your windscreen at high speeds, gradually creating small imperfections. These pits might not be immediately visible, but over time they accumulate and can become more apparent, especially when sunlight or headlights shine directly on the glass.

Unlike cracks or chips, which are more severe and immediately noticeable, pitting doesn’t necessarily cause the glass to break. However, the accumulation of pitted areas can drastically affect visibility, particularly when driving at night, as the light can scatter across the pitted surface, creating dangerous glare.

A pitted windscreen also tends to wear down faster than a smooth one, requiring more frequent cleaning and maintenance. If left untreated, the pitting will inevitably weaken your  glass, making it more susceptible to cracks in the future. So, while it might not seem like a big issue at first, dealing with windscreen pitting early on can help extend the life of your windscreen.

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What Causes Windscreen Pitting?

The primary cause of windscreen pitting is exposure to flying debris on the road. Every time you drive, tiny stones, dust, sand, and other particles are kicked up by your tyres or other vehicles. When these particles travel at high speeds and strike your windscreen, they leave behind small, but permanent indentations in the glass.

It’s not just dirt and debris from the road that cause pitting, though. The weather can play a big role too. For example, heavy rain and snow can carry tiny particles that, when combined with the force of the wind, slam against your windscreen. Over time, this repetitive impact creates pitted areas that are difficult to notice at first but become more obvious and bothersome over time.

Road conditions play a part, of course. In areas with gravel roads or construction zones, the chances of your windscreen getting pitted are higher. In fact, in more rural areas where these kinds of roads are common, the likelihood of dealing with windscreen pitting increases.

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Types of Windscreen Pitting

Windscreen pitting can manifest in a number of different ways. The severity of the pitting will depend on how often the windscreen is exposed to road debris and the intensity of that exposure. While some types of pitting are barely noticeable, others can significantly impact your visibility and driving experience.

• Light Pitting: This is the most common form of windscreen pitting. It typically appears as small, shallow indentations that are barely visible unless you’re looking closely. Light pitting is often harmless and doesn’t affect the structural integrity of the windscreen. However, it can still cause slight distortion when driving in certain lighting conditions.
• Moderate Pitting: This type of pitting is more noticeable and can affect your vision, especially when driving in bright sunlight or at night when headlights are reflected off the surface. Moderate pitting can be distracting, as it may cause minor glare or blur, but the glass itself is not in danger of breaking or cracking.
• Severe Pitting: Severe pitting is when the surface of the windscreen is deeply damaged. You’ll notice visible pits or indentations that affect the overall structure of the glass. At this stage, driving can become difficult, as the pitting distorts your vision and may even cause glare that interferes with your ability to see clearly. This type of damage can be dangerous if left untreated, as the windscreen might eventually weaken and be more prone to cracks or shattering.
• Windscreen Etching: This is a form of pitting caused by chemical exposure, such as from road salts, detergents, or certain pollutants in the air. Etching tends to be more permanent than other forms of pitting and might be difficult to treat. In some cases, it can be mistaken for pitting caused by debris but is the result of a chemical reaction with the glass surface.

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Can Windscreen Pitting be Treated?

While windscreen pitting can be frustrating, the good news is that, in most cases, it can be treated or mitigated. However, the method of treatment depends on the severity of the pitting.

For light pitting, the most common approach is to apply a glass polish. These polishes are designed to smooth out the surface of the windscreen and reduce the appearance of minor pits. While this method won’t completely restore the windscreen to its original condition, it can help reduce glare and improve visibility. Additionally, a professional clean and polish can help prolong the life of your windscreen, especially if the pitting is relatively mild.

For moderate to severe pitting, in many cases, a combination of glass polishing, resurfacing, or filling might be used to restore the glass. While this may not entirely eliminate all the pits, it can greatly improve the windscreen’s performance and visual clarity.

However, for severe pitting, replacement is oftentimes the wisest choice. If the pitting has become extensive and is causing significant glare or distortion, the windscreen will likely require replacement in the interest of both safety and comfort.

In essence, early intervention can make a big difference. The longer you leave pitting unchecked, the worse the damage becomes. Regular cleaning and maintenance, as well as addressing small pitting issues before they get worse, can save you time and money down the road.

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So, the next time you find yourself wiping away rain or dirt from your windscreen, take a moment to inspect the surface for any signs of pitting. If you notice the telltale signs of small indentations, it might be worth considering a windscreen polish or some of the other treatment steps outlined above.

Check back with the Autoglass® Ireland blog again soon for more motoring explainers, guides and tips just like this one. Safe travels.