Is Your Windshield Leaking? Here’s What to Do

August 5th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA

A leaky windshield can cause water to enter your car’s cabin and lead to mold on your dashboard and carpets. Thankfully, if you can identify the warning signs of a leaky windshield, you can address this problem before it gets out of hand.

Leaky Windshield Warning Signs

A windshield leak may be nearly invisible, but there are many signs that your windshield may be defective.

Warning signs of a leaky windshield include:

• Mold or mildew inside your car
• Rust stains on the dashboard
• Damp carpet

Windshield leaking can also contribute to electrical failures. For instance, if a windshield leak reaches your car’s sensors, it can cause these sensors to malfunction. In this scenario, you’ll need to replace the sensors to ensure that your vehicle runs properly once again.

Along with electrical failures, a leaky windshield impacts your car’s overall stability. If you are involved in a car accident, a leaky windshield could put you and your passengers at greater risk of injuries or fatalities.

What Causes a Windshield to Leak?

Windshield leaking often occurs due to a defective seal around the glass. If you previously had a windshield installed, but the work was done incorrectly, there may be a poor seal around the glass. Or, if the windshield was installed in rain, snow, or other inclement weather conditions, the seal around the glass may be ineffective.

Additionally, if a rock or another hard object hits your car’s windshield while you’re driving, it may result in a crack. This issue may seem minor at first, but the crack can quickly grow. The crack may lead to leaking inside your car, and it could affect your ability to see clearly through your windshield.

How to Fix a Leaking Windshield

There are several things you can do to determine if a windshield is leaky.

First, you can close your car’s doors and windows and use a hose to shower your vehicle. If your windshield is defective, water will slowly move into your car’s cabin.

In addition to the shower test, you can use soap and a wash mitt to test your car’s windshield. Apply soap to a wash mitt, then rub the soap onto the trim of your windshield’s exterior. Next, set your car’s heater blower to defrost. If you find soapy bubbles form on your windshield, it means your windshield is defective.

For small leaks, you may be able to use a sealant for instant windshield leak repair. Follow the sealant’s instructions, and the product should deliver the desired results shortly after it is applied to your windshield.

If you are uncertain about whether your car’s windshield is defective, you should let certified automotive technicians check out your windshield. Remember, there is no need to leave anything to chance, especially when it comes to your car’s windshield. If you hire certified technicians to reseal your windshield, you can get your windshield fixed correctly.

Does a Leaking Windshield Need to Be Replaced?

The severity of a leaking windshield determines if a windshield must be replaced. In cases where there is a minor issue that contributes to leaking, sealant may be used to repair the windshield. On the other hand, if significant leaking is occurring, the entire windshield must be replaced.

You should never replace a windshield on your own. Conversely, if you reach out to certified auto technicians, you can find out if your windshield should be fixed or replaced. You can then get expert support to ensure that your windshield is properly sealed.

Trust Fix Auto to Repair Your Leaking Windshield

At Fix Auto, our certified technicians are windshield repair experts. Our technicians can evaluate your car’s windshield to determine the source of a leak and repair or replace your windshield. To learn more or to request an appointment, please contact us online or call us today at 800.INFO.FIX.

 

This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Portland, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing the City of Portland.