What Causes The Haze (And Why It’s Worse At Night)

Highways, construction zones, and desert grit act like a slow sandblast on glass. Over time, micro-craters form across the surface. In bright sun, rain, or oncoming headlights, those pits scatter light and reduce contrast. If you drive at dawn or dusk—or through monsoon dust—the glare fatigue adds up quickly.

When Windshield Pitting Repair Makes Sense

Light pitting is mostly a cosmetic issue. You’ll notice a little extra sparkle in certain angles, but daytime visibility stays usable. Once glare makes you squint at night, miss details in rain, or feel “foggy” even after a fresh clean, it’s moved into the safety zone. Modern driver-assist cameras (ADAS) also rely on clear optics; heavy pitting can interfere with their view.

Can You Polish It, Or Should You Replace?

Glass polishing can help very light haze in small areas, but there’s risk: remove too much material and you introduce optical distortion. Whole-windshield resurfacing sounds appealing, yet keeping the optics true across the entire pane is difficult. For moderate to heavy wear, replacement is the reliable fix—especially if you commute into low sun or drive at night often. If your vehicle uses ADAS, plan on post-replacement calibration so features perform correctly.

Windshield Pitting – Quick Reality Check (And Prevention)

Step a few feet in front of the car and rock side to side under a shop light or the sun. If the glass “sparkles” in bands, pitting is widespread. Prevention is simple: replace wiper blades before they drag grit, rinse dust before wiping, and leave extra space behind gravel trucks. These habits won’t erase pits, but they slow the next set from forming.

See clearly again—without the guesswork. Schedule a quick consult and we’ll assess severity, walk you through replace-vs-tolerate, and handle calibration if needed.

Pros of DIY Auto Glass Repair Kits

1. Cost Savings
DIY kits are affordable, typically ranging from $10 to $30. If the damage is minor, fixing it yourself can save the cost of professional service.

2. Convenience
You can apply the kit at home on your schedule without waiting for an appointment or driving to a repair shop.

3. Temporary Fix
For small chips or bullseye cracks, a DIY kit may help prevent spreading—especially if you can’t get to a pro right away.

Cons of DIY Auto Glass Repair Kits

1. Limited Effectiveness
DIY kits work best on very small chips (usually under the size of a quarter). Deep or long cracks often require professional intervention.

2. Visibility Issues
A poorly applied kit can leave behind visual distortions or air bubbles, affecting the clarity of your windshield.

3. No Guarantee
Unlike professional repair, DIY kits don’t come with a workmanship guarantee. If the repair fails, you may still need a full windshield replacement later.

4. Risk of Worsening Damage
Incorrect application or contamination of the area can make the damage worse or reduce the effectiveness of future repairs.

When to Call the Pros

If the crack is longer than a few inches, is in your line of sight, or extends to the edge of the glass, skip the DIY option and contact a trusted auto glass professional. They have the tools, resins, and expertise to restore your windshield’s integrity—and often work with your insurance.

DIY Auto Glass Repair – The Final Takeaway

While DIY auto glass repair kits can be useful in a pinch, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. For best results and long-term safety, it’s wise to consult with a professional for any damage beyond a minor chip.

The Role of Visible Light Transmission (VLT)

The key factor in nighttime visibility is something called Visible Light Transmission (VLT)—the percentage of light that passes through your windows. The lower the VLT, the darker the tint. Most state laws regulate how low you can go for this reason.

• Factory tint usually allows 70–80% VLT.

• Aftermarket tints can range anywhere from 5% (very dark) to 50% or more (lighter).

Tints under 35% can start to noticeably affect visibility at night, especially in low-light environments or rural roads.

Tinted Windows- Nighttime Driving Considerations

• Reduced clarity: Darker tints can make it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, or road hazards at night.

• Difficulty backing up: Drivers may struggle with rear visibility in unlit parking areas or driveways.

• Increased glare with improper installation: Poor-quality films or bubbling can scatter light, causing more glare from headlights.

How to Choose the Right Tint

To enjoy the benefits of tinted windows without compromising nighttime safety:

• Choose a legal and balanced VLT that meets your state’s regulations.

• Opt for ceramic or high-performance films that block heat and UV without being overly dark.

• Work with a certified tint installer who ensures even application and uses quality materials.

Balancing Comfort and Safety

Tinted windows offer real benefits, but they should never come at the cost of visibility or safety. By selecting the right film and staying within legal VLT ranges, you can enhance your vehicle’s appearance and function—day or night.

Let’s take a closer look at how these two types of glass compare in terms of strength, safety, and function.

What Is Laminated Glass?

Laminated glass is typically used in windshields. It’s made by sandwiching a layer of plastic (usually polyvinyl butyral, or PVB) between two sheets of glass. This bonded structure holds together even when shattered, creating a “spider web” effect instead of sharp shards.

Benefits:

• High safety rating – reduces risk of ejection in a crash

• Sound insulation – blocks more outside noise

• UV protection – filters harmful rays

• Crack resistance – minor impacts may not cause full breakage

What Is Tempered Glass?

Tempered glass, used in side and rear windows, is created by heating and then rapidly cooling the glass, which increases its strength. When it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than dangerous shards.

Benefits:

• Stronger than standard glass

• Shatters safely on impact

• Less expensive than laminated glass

• Easy to replace

Laminated or Tempered Glass – Which One Is Better for Your Vehicle?

The answer depends on the location and purpose of the glass:

• Windshields almost always use laminated glass for better visibility and safety.

• Side and rear windows typically use tempered glass, but some newer models are switching to laminated for added protection against break-ins and noise.

If you’re considering upgrading or replacing auto glass, talk with a professional about your options. Depending on your driving habits and environment, it may be worth considering laminated side windows for added peace of mind.

AGD Can Help with Any Type of Auto Glass

Understanding the differences between laminated vs. tempered glass helps you make more informed decisions about your vehicle’s safety and comfort. Whether you’re replacing a broken window or just exploring options, choosing the right glass matters. Contact AGD for any of your auto glass needs, we’re here to help!

Benefits of Tempered Glass

• Unmatched Strength and Durability
  • Tempered glass is known for its unparalleled strength and durability. It is made by heating and rapidly cooling the glass, which increases surface compression. Tempered glass is five times stronger than annealed glass which makes it highly resistant to both impact and breakage. It is an ideal option for high-traffic areas and applications because it can withstand accidental impacts and heavy usage without easily breaking or chipping.
• Enhanced Safety
  • When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, dull cubes rather than traditional glass’ sharp, dangerous shards. The little dull pieces are less likely to cause serious injury which makes tempered glass a safer option for areas where children may be present or where accidents are more likely to occur. Whether it’s for residential or commercial use, the added safety of tempered glass provides peace of mind to both property owners and occupants.
• Resistance to Thermal Stress
  • Not only is tempered glass resistant to physical impacts, but it is also highly resistant to thermal stress. Because of this, it is an ideal choice for applications that are exposed to temperature fluctuations, such as windows that receive direct sunlight. Unlike annealed glass, which can crack under extreme temperature changes, tempered glass can withstand these conditions without compromising its structural integrity.

Tempered glass is stronger, safer, and more versatile than regular glass. It’s perfect for a wide range of applications, from glass partitions to shelves. At AGD, we can custom fabricate and install tempered glass to your exact specifications in both residential and commercial applications. Contact us to learn more!

As Covid-19 (the Coronavirus) continues to impact the global community and concerning news continues to break on a daily basis, I want to personally update you on the steps we have taken to ensure business continuity for all our customers and business partners around the state and reassure you that our operations and all ongoing projects remain unaffected and won’t be negatively impacted by the current developments.

Being a strong mobile and web-based company, the nature of our business is “perfectly” suited to execute well in situations like this one. You can rest assured that the work of Auto Glass Direct & Tint LLC. itself will not be impacted in any way and we are committed to delivering you our service without interruption to the full extent of our ability. We are by nature 100% operational as a virtual and mobile company.

Based on the guidance from the World Health Organization, as our individual and collective duty to help fighting the spread of the pandemic and our obligation towards our customers and business partners to continue providing uninterrupted, highest quality service, we have augmented our daily operations with specific steps to account for Covid-19.  (1) We have requested all of our office staff and employees in all state wide locations to return immediately to their “home locations” if they feel at all, any symptoms of the virus; (2) we’ve banned all international travel until further notice; (3) we are requiring that any employee returning from out of the country, is to work from home for two weeks to assure proper health measures before returning to our location, or returning in their mobile van.

We have tested such scenarios and are confident in all certifications, technology, and work systems that we will abide to all steps as a part of our business continuity plan, and we are very well equipped to maintain the high-quality customer service you have learned to expect from us. Our account executives, customer success managers as well as other representatives working with you, are here to assist you around the clock and answer any questions you might have related to this critical situation. I’m at your full disposal as well.

It goes without saying that, while ensuring the success of our customers and partnerships is our main focus, the health and safety of our employees, customers and business partners are paramount. This is an unprecedented time for everyone, and the situation is changing daily. We are committed to maintaining our business operations and ensuring you continue to receive the highest quality service without disruption. We value and greatly appreciate every opportunity we receive, to get you back on the road safely. Thank you for your continued trust in Auto Glass Direct & Tint LLC.

The U.S. Department of Transportation set federal regulations which outline minimum requirements for windshield visibility and conditions. Each state is required to enforce these requirements. These federal regulations state that, aside from legal tinting, the center of the windshield should be “free of discoloration or damage” This center area is defined as the space above the steering wheel, extending to two inches from the top of the windshield, and one inch from each side. However, a single crack can legally extend into this space, as long as it does not intersect with any other cracks. What does this mean? If you have a spider-web crack in the middle of your windshield, you are going to have to replace it regardless of your home state.

​Set by D.O.T., state traffic laws extend beyond the minimum requirements. Every state windshield-visibility law states that windshield damage cannot impair a driver’s vision. In some states, including Arizona and Florida, the kind of damage which qualifies as visual impairment is not actually defined, but is left up to the cop to decide.

Other states have laws that regulate how car ins. handle broken windshield claims.  Most laws regulate the use of aftermarket windshields, when your insurance is paying for the coverage. Most states, allow auto insurance companies to cut costs by using aftermarket or used replacement windshields. They are however, required to notify you in writing about their intent to use an aftermarket windshield. It must be the same quality and design of a brand new one. Other states, such as California, require the insurance companies let you choose the body shop for windshield repair.

Arizona driver’s license manual states that “Vehicles must have a windshield” and that the windshield must not have any cracks. Arizona has a series of state laws codified as 28-957 which cover the requirement for windshields. 28-957.01 defines the requirement for a windshield, but exempts motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and golf carts manufactured or modified before June 17, 1998. Antique and classic vehicles that didn’t originally have windshields are exempted. The law states that a vehicle must have “an adequate windshield.” Because the law does not spell out the size a crack or chip must be to make a windshield inadequate under state law 28-957.01, the tickets for broken windshields vary in amount, depending on the county in which the ticket was issued. Whether a windshield is considered adequate or inadequate is left up to the discretion of ticketing officers state-wide.

​In Arizona you need Comprehensive coverage or Full Glass coverage, both optional coverages, on your vehicle in order for your windshield to be covered by your auto insurance. Comprehensive insurance is usually sold with a $250 to $1,000 deductible. All companies are required to offer full glass coverage which comes without a deductible. This “full glass” coverage (may also be known as full safety equipment coverage) provides full repair or replacement of all glass used in the windshield, windows, and doors, and all glass, plastic or other materials used in the lights of a motor vehicle without regard to any deductible. Full Glass may pay to repair or replace the windshield, windows, mirrors, as well as the glass, plastic or other material used in the lights of the vehicle, without having to pay the Comprehensive deductible. So if you have Comprehensive of Full Glass coverage as part of your car insurance policy you can make a claim for your windshield to be repaired or replaced so you do not risk being cited by law enforcement for what an officer may determine to be an equipment violation.

[-Arizona Dept of Transportation}

So if you have been driving around with a crack in that “center area” of your windshield, it is crucial to have this replaced immediately to avoid legal issues or personal injury.  AGD Auto Glass & Tint Co. has built a reputation as a top quality autoglass provider in Arizona.  With locations throughout the entire state, AGD is the most convenient and affordable way to go when it comes to windshield replacement.

AGD Auto Glass & Tint Co.  

3414 S Mill Ave | Tempe, AZ 85282 | 602-759-5900 | Website

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Additionally, your vehicle’s appearance will be enhanced and resale value increased when you get your side view mirror repaired. The type and style of side view mirror needed will depend on the make and model of your vehicle. When taken to a dealership, side view mirrors are replaced and it can be very costly. Mobile side view mirror repair is convenient as technicians will come directly to where you are. You do not have to take extra time out of your busy schedule to get your side mirror replaced. With mobile side mirror repair, there is no reason to put it off and risk your safety by driving with a broken side mirror. You can get your side mirror repaired or replaced quickly and get back on the road in a safe vehicle. Mobile side view mirror repair will not only make your vehicle more safe to drive, but it will protect the safety of others as well.