A Guide to Baseball Auto Glass Damage & Repairs
Baseball windshield damage can occur a number of different ways. You may attend a professional game with an unlucky parking spot. You may attend a youth baseball game and have a ball hit your parked car. Baseball in the front yard of your home could lead to a cracked windshield in the driveway.
No matter where the baseball damage occurs, you will likely go through the same process to get repairs done. Learn about baseball-based auto glass damage and your options as a car owner through this detailed guide.
Baseball Cracks
The crack a baseball makes on a windshield is an impact crack. The crack will typically feature a center point that expands outward like a spider web. The crack will only expand further if left untreated. The crack will naturally spread due to the force of air on a car's windshield. Weather elements play a role as well.
For example, a small crack can easily spread to create a larger one if you park your vehicle outside. At night, as temperatures cool, the glass will condense. When temperatures warm up again, the glass expands and the pressure will cause cracks to grow. Without proper treatment, you could have a big problem and visual distraction on the windshield.
Auto glass companies have the skills to fill in smaller cracks, but you likely need a whole new windshield for any larger cracks or cracks that have spread. Many auto glass companies offer same-day repair options. If you can repair the windshield on the same day, then you may salvage your current glass before things get worse.
Impacted Baseballs
Sometimes a baseball will hit a windshield so hard that the ball actually breaks into the glass. Most cars rely on tempered glass, which will prevent the ball from going all the way through. However, a ball could still get stuck. The idea may seem like something out of a movie, but can happen in real life.
If a ball does get stuck in the glass, do not attempt to remove the ball. The removal could lead to more glass damage and create a potential safety hazard. Your hand may slip in the area and cause cuts on your hand and arm. Small pieces of glass could flick out and potentially damage your eyes.
The ball removal could lead to bigger cracks and block a driver's view of the road. Auto glass companies offer roadside service and can meet you where you are parked. If needed, drive home first with the ball still impacted in the windshield. If you pull the ball out and attempt to drive, the force of air and additional damage to the windshield could lead to bigger problems.
In most cases, an auto glass company will not even attempt to remove the ball. The company will simply remove and replace the whole windshield.
Damaged Windshield Components
Many newer cars have a lot of technology based through the windshield. Your vehicle could feature rain detectors for the windshields, thermometers, or sensors to keep drivers aware. The impact of a fast-moving baseball could also cause damage to those components.
Using your car's model and information, an auto glass specialist will ensure the extra elements work correctly when a new windshield is installed. At first glance, you may not realize damage has occurred to specific elements. The full inspection and test process will help prevent problems in the future.
When a new windshield is placed on the car, all of the wires and connections are properly attached first. If a problem does occur, then a technician will complete the repairs on the spot and troubleshoot any major problems to ensure your car operates the same way it did before the baseball impacted the windshield.
Windshield Replacement Options
When you replace your windshield, your main goal is to prevent the same problem from happening in the future. If you attend a lot of youth or professional baseball games, then you may want to put in the extra effort to ensure your car is protected. Auto glass companies may offer windshield products that differ from the original parts released from manufacturing companies.
A windshield with extra strength and durability can withstand the impact of a baseball. Instead of cracking, the strength of the glass may cause the baseball to simply bounce off the windshield. For example, a stronger glass known as Gorilla Glass can help provide extra strength to the vehicle.
A thicker and stronger glass can also reduce the amount of noise inside a vehicle and has extra benefits. Every car is different, so before a technician completes the repair, inquire about your windshield options.
For any type of baseball damage or other cracks, contact us at MS Glass Outlet. We offer same-day services and can perform a professional windshield installation at almost any location. We offer fast service and can work with a large range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and electric cars.
