A Cracked or Improperly Installed Windshield is Dangerous
AAA wants to inform members that the General Motors Corporation has issued a recall on the glass used in certain 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent models. Reportedly, an incorrect primer may have been used when the windshields were installed at the factory. That same primer also may have been applied to the liftgate glass and the stationary sidelites.
Don’t put your safety is at risk
Unless you own one of these vehicles, you might ask, “why is this important to me?” Well, did you know the windshield of your automobile is a safety device, like air bags and safety belts? It’s true. Besides the obvious role of protecting occupants from wind, water and debris, your car’s windshield can help save your life, and the lives of your passengers, by ensuring you are not thrown from the vehicle in a collision. Windshields also play a critical role in front passenger airbag deployment on many cars. And, the windshield (and rear window) helps support the roof of the vehicle in a rollover so you and your passengers will not be crushed.
Regular check-ups keep you safe
Some windshield damage may not be noticed immediately. That’s why AAA thinks it’s important to regularly check your windshield, and all of the vehicle’s glass, for any problems. You can use the following simple steps to inspect your car, or seek the assistance of a certified technician:
- Check the entire windshield, inside and out, for chips and cracks. Minor chips and very small cracks may be repairable, provided they are outside the driver’s primary line of sight. Any significant cracks or damage will require windshield replacement.
- Check around the edge of the glass for damage to the surrounding body work. Any problems that affect the seal of the glass to the body can weaken structural integrity and should be repaired.
- Check the windshield wipers to make sure the rubber blades are soft and pliable. Hard, brittle or damaged blades can break and allow the metal wiper arm to scratch the glass.
*courtesy of Coalition of Auto Glass Safety and Public Awareness