5. Rock Chips

Rock chips are another cause of poor vehicle visibility. They’re formed when small objects, like tiny pebbles or road debris, hit your windshield at high speeds. 

Although these little chips in your windscreen can be quite annoying, they aren’t a major cause of concern.

Nonetheless, many of these chips deepen over time to form spiderweb cracks on the windshield. Then, you’ll face the hard decision of changing your windshield or driving around with a vehicle with a visibility challenge, which is dangerous. 

To reduce the possibility of a rock-chipped windscreen, drive slowly on gravel, dirt, or other loose terrains. That said, it’ll be best to maintain a longer following distance when driving behind large vehicles carrying huge loads (especially debris) or cars that can churn up rocks or other loose particles in your direction.

6. Incorrect Windscreen Installation

Incorrect windscreen installation can lead to windshield damage. When a vehicle’s windscreen isn’t installed as prescribed by the car manufacturer, it’ll be loose. If this unsavory scenario occurs, a typical drive up and down the road can cause high vibrations that can crack your windshield in the long run. 

If you notice reverberating noises, whooshing sounds, or vibrations when driving at high speeds after having a new windshield installed, it’s a major sign that the new windscreen was installed improperly. 

However, you need to act immediately.

Once you identify this issue, take your car to a revered technician for proper installation. A stitch in time saves nine. If you decide to play the wait game, your car may be prone to further damage.

7. Swift Pressure Changes

Windscreen glass is stronger and studier than standard glass. Unlike the latter, windscreen glass is subjected to a rapid heating and cooling process that makes it a bit tougher and resistant to cracks than regular glass. 

Nevertheless, despite how strong windscreen glasses are, they’ll crack and experience other stress fractures when adverse conditions like extreme or swift pressure changes come to the fore. 

These changes usually occur when an object presses or suddenly falls on the windshield. On the other hand, swift pressure could happen if a car is at top speed. At that point, some external forces could act on your car, damage your windscreen, and prompt visibility issues.

8. Storm Debris

Storms are natural events and are common in the US. These unpleasant scenarios can cause cracks or chips on cars’ windshields. 

For perspective, hailstones can considerably damage a car’s windshields when they fall. High winds that come with most storms can also carry litter, debris, and tree branches to hit your car’s windscreen and side mirrors, resulting in visibility challenges.

Most times, the impacts of storm debris on your car’s windshield aren’t really pronounced. However, like rock chips, they may cause small cracks or chips that could develop into larger cracks and cause severe issues in terms of visibility.

Since most storm damage on vehicles happens when parked, endeavor to park in a garage during the stormy season. If this calamity befalls you despite taking some of our safety instructions, take your vehicle to an expert technician to repair or replace damaged areas.

9. Improper Cleaning

You’re probably wondering how improper cleaning can hamper car visibility, but it does.

So, how does this scenario happen?

Using the wrong or harsh cleaning agents might leave streaks on your windshield and other external vehicle glasses. Although you can see clearly with one streak, it’s a different ball game when many iterations form on your car’s screen. 

Multiple streaks from improper car cleaning can cause visibility problems. As such, you’d need to adopt some car visibility maintenance tips to remove them. 

However, you might need to replace affected sections if these streaks are deep.

Besides using wrong chemicals for car washing, other improper cleaning practices, such as using hot water to clear an icy windshield can lead to cracks. Thus, it’ll be best to adopt non-invasive car cleaning techniques like washing off dirt using a car wash mitt.

10. Worn-out Windshield Wipers

Worn-out windshield wipers are another popular cause of car visibility challenges. When these add-ons are not functioning well during rains, snow storms, or any other adverse weather conditions, they could wreak havoc to your car’s windshield.

For instance, exposed metal blades on car wipers can create patterned incisions on your windshield glass. 

Also, using wipers on a dirty windshield is damaging. When you do such, the wipers can act like sandpaper, causing visibility problems as you drive.

To prevent the effects of worn-out wipers, change your vehicle’s wipers once you notice the tell-tale symptoms of wear and tear in these vital car components.

11. Non-Functioning Exterior Lights

The exterior lights installed into vehicles aren’t there for beautification purposes. They’re integrated by the car manufacturer to aid visibility and protect you and other drivers from accidents. For context, the headlights and taillights help you see clearly in low-light situations, like during smog, fog, snow, or rain.

Furthermore, exterior lights let other road users know your driving intentions. For example, trafficators help to communicate the direction you want to turn to. On the other hand, reverse light indicates the reverse gear has been engaged and that your intention is to reverse.

Also, emergency blinkers let car drivers know that you parked at a particular spot and require assistance (i.e., if you have a flat tire and no spare available).

Factors like electrical, water, or collision damage, can lead to malfunctioning or damaged exterior lights. 

Thus, the risk of getting involved in a crash increases when any of these issues occur. To halt this unpleasant scenario, hire a top mechanic for quick evaluation or a replacement once you notice an issue with any of your car’s external lights.