Have you ever heard of auto glass mold? Although this isn’t a common problem among vehicles, it is still an important issue that shouldn’t be ignored. Mold found on your car windows and windshield can easily destroy the glass itself. Here’s what you need to know about auto glass mold, what could cause it, and how to go about preventing it.

There are many types of mold, but all of them are similar in that, each type is an organism which breeds quickly and ultimately causes organic material to biodegrade. This is why damp areas, such as car seats and carpets, which often don’t get purposefully dried off, are ideal candidates for this organism. From here, the mold can spread throughout your car and even into the glass of your windows and windshield. This is what we call auto glass mold and it is a force not to be reckoned with.

Just like when you leave food out for too long, mold can also occur inside your car if you neglect it. For instance, if your car is left in an uncovered area for a long period of time without a change of air, you run the risk of getting auto glass mold. Especially in a particularly humid or moist environment, as this alone could cause the mold to breed and the risk of auto glass mold becomes even greater. Another cause would be if you spilled water in your car and didn’t let the damp surface dry completely. The mold could then spread throughout the materials in your car, even reaching and going deep into the glass.

Always make an effort to keep your car as fresh and as clean as possible. Never leave trash in your car for long periods of time, especially of the sort that decomposes naturally, like food does. If you spill any liquids inside your car, make sure to wash it and allow the damp area time to air dry. Also, try to keep your windows rolled down until the damp patch is dry, so as to allow fresh air to flow though. You should also roll your windows down and turn on your air conditioning from time to time even if you don’t drive your car anymore. Allowing the air movement and to be refreshed once in a while is a key aspect in preventing mold.

If you do spot mold in your vehicle, don’t despair, as there are ways in which to combat and prevent it from doing any further damage. A good start would be to thoroughly clean away any evidence of the mold itself, eliminating it completely. Doing so will help prevent an auto glass repair. It would be rare for there to be auto glass mold in your car, but if it does occur, it is absolutely crucial to make sure it isn’t affecting the condition of your vehicle in any way. If you notice that the window seals are cracking or if mold can be seen on them, you should not attempt to clean it up yourself, as this is a sign that the mold has already made it deep into the glass. Instead seek out an auto glass repair expert as soon as possible as it is now a likelihood that your windows or windshield may need repairing or replacing.

Thankfully, as unlikely as having to deal with auto glass mold may be, it is still an issue that we believe is well worth being aware of. Knowing what to look out for and how to act quickly can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your vehicles’ windows and windshield.