24 Apr Windshield Chips, Broken Glass, and Headlight Haze After a Collision: What Tucson Drivers Should Repair First
After a collision, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a certified auto technician. Even a minor fender bender can cause damage that affects the safety of your car, any minor damage can become worse over time, increasing the cost of repairs. If you’re worried about how much auto repairs will cost, the experts at a collision center can help you prioritize repairs to determine which should be completed first. At National Auto Collision Centers, we offer major and minor auto repair services in Tucson, AZ. Here is our guide to evaluating windshield chips, broken glass, and headlight haze after an accident, and which should be repaired first.
Headlight Haze or Broken Headlights
If your headlights or lenses are cracked or broken during an accident, the light emitted by the headlight will be scattered by the cracks and damage to the lenses. This will cause them to appear hazy or cloudy. This type of damage is usually considered medium priority, especially if it only affects one light. However, replacing damaged, broken, or hazy lenses or headlight housings is a quick job that typically isn’t that expensive. Handling it promptly will restore your ability to drive at night, reduce the risk of another accident, prevent water from entering the vehicle’s electrical system through the cracks, and ensure you aren’t issued a citation by a police officer.
Windshield Chips and Other Damage
Any damage to your windshield is a major priority post-collision. Small chips and cracks may get worse the longer you drive, especially if you regularly drive on rough roads or highways. Eventually, you may need a full windshield replacement rather than just a simple repair. Major damage is an even higher priority. Chips or cracks in your line of vision must be repaired immediately to ensure your safety on the road. Long cracks that extend to the edge of the windshield can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle, increasing the risk of a roof collapse in an accident.
Broken or Shattered Glass
Broken or shattered glass must be addressed immediately. Trying to clean it up yourself could cause injury, and driving a vehicle with shattered or broken windows can increase your risk of another accident. Broken windows also increase the chances of vehicle theft, or theft of items inside your vehicle. Your vehicle will also be exposed to the elements and may sustain secondary damage from wind, rain, dust, and animals. You should have your vehicle towed to the nearest automotive collision shop for an inspection. The auto technicians will clean up broken glass and assess your vehicle for any other damage. They can then replace side and rear windows so that your car is safe to drive again.
At National Auto Collision Centers, we can help you maintain the safety of your vehicle with certified major collision repair in Tucson, AZ. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an appointment at one of our auto service centers in Tucson, AZ.