Although the windshield is one of the strongest components of a vehicle, it is not immune to damage. Some common factors that contribute to windshield damage include abrasive cleaning methods, vehicular accidents, improper use of wiper blades and failed DIY windshield crack repairs.
However, when it comes to a cracked windshield, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly. Ignoring it can lead to larger cracks, compromising the structural integrity of the windshield and, ultimately, your safety.
Regardless of how small the crack is, getting auto glass repair services immediately is crucial for your safety. An intact windshield plays a crucial role in maintaining vehicle safety, contributing to 60% of the structural integrity during rollovers and 45% in direct front impacts.
How Risky Is It to Ignore a Windshield Crack?
Your windshield is what protects you from stone chips, dirt, dust, and other elements when driving down the road. Unfortunately, many vehicle owners make the mistake of ignoring windshield cracks.
Bringing your vehicle to an auto glass shop to get your windshield cracks checked may seem like a minor inconvenience, but this can potentially save you from serious safety hazards and costly repairs in the future.
Here are some reasons why you should not ignore your cracked windshield:
- Compromise Your Vehicle’s Structural Integrity: A cracked windshield can significantly weaken the windshield’s ability to support your vehicle’s roof, increasing the risk of the roof collapsing in the event of a major accident.
- Impair Driver’s Vision: Even minor windshield cracks can impair visibility, especially in bad weather, leading to slower reaction times and a higher risk of vehicular accidents. Night driving with a damaged windshield poses a higher risk; the glass can refract light from headlights and street lamps, causing temporary vision loss.
- Reduces the Effectiveness of Airbags: Many new vehicles use the windshield to position passenger-side airbags correctly. If the windshield is cracked, it might not hold up against the deploying airbag, leading to potential malfunction and compromised passenger safety.
- Increased Risk of Shattering: A damaged windshield increases the risk of breaking upon impact, increasing the risk of serious injuries from shattered glass or ejection during a crash.
- Legal and Financial Implications: Driving with a cracked windshield can not only lead to fines but may also affect insurance claims due to violations of traffic laws. For instance, in Arizona, drivers caught with a windshield that significantly impairs visibility might face penalties. This law ensures that driving visibility is not compromised, promoting safer driving conditions. Ignoring such regulations can result in legal consequences and potentially higher insurance premiums.
- Insurance Coverage Issues: A cracked windshield could complicate your insurance, risking claim denials if it impairs visibility during an accident and suggesting vehicle neglect, which may affect your coverage or increase your premiums.
Do You Need an Auto Glass Repair or a Windshield Replacement?
A crack in your windshield doesn’t immediately constitute a replacement. In some cases, getting auto glass repair services is enough to solve the problem, potentially saving you the higher cost of replacement. But how do you decide if a repair is enough?
You Can Get An Auto Glass Repair If:
- The chip or crack is minor, specifically smaller than the size of a dollar bill, making it an ideal candidate for a windshield repair.
- The damage consists of three or fewer chips, which typically can be easily addressed without needing a full replacement.
- The location of the crack or chip does not obstruct the driver’s line of sight, ensuring safety isn’t compromised by the repair.
- The damage is located away from the windshield’s edges. Damage near the edges can compromise the windshield’s structural integrity, necessitating a replacement.
You Should Get a Windshield Replacement When:
- The damage is extensive, including large, deep cracks or chips, or if the crack spans from one edge of the windshield to the other, compromising the structural integrity.
- The windshield is composed of tempered glass instead of laminated glass. Tempered glass is designed to shatter into small, safer pieces upon impact, meaning any significant damage usually requires a full replacement.
- There are multiple areas of damage, indicating the windshield has been weakened by various impacts and is less likely to withstand further stress.
- The damage directly affects the driver’s field of vision or is located in critical areas that could impair the structural integrity of the windshield, making driving unsafe.
Getting a windshield replacement should not be a stressful experience. As a car owner, you should be aware of the
During a windshield replacement service, the options may seem overwhelming for owners who haven’t replaced their windshields before. But here’s a helpful guide on how to select the best windshield during your auto glass replacement service.
- Determine whether you’re comfortable with stock or aftermarket glass: While some vehicle owners prefer the authenticity and guaranteed fit of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) windshields, complete with classic features like manual wipers, aftermarket glass offers innovative enhancements at a potentially lower cost.
- Read into the legalities involving windshield tints: Tinting your windows does more than upgrade your car’s look—it minimizes glare and prevents UV damage to your car’s interior. However, it’s crucial to be aware of and comply with your region’s tinting laws, as regulations vary widely.
- Choose the additional features you’d like your windshield to have: Today’s windshields offer advanced capabilities, including defrosting features and integration with augmented reality for enhanced safety and utility.
Recognizing the importance of prompt addressing windshield cracks cannot be overstated. No matter how insignificant you think the damage is, it’s vital to have auto glass repair experts regularly inspect your vehicle and identify whether you need a minor repair or a windshield replacement. This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of your windshield but also maintains optimal visibility and safety on the road.
