What Should I Do About My Cracked Windshield
January 8th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
Windshield cracks may seem like a small problem that can be fixed at a later date. But in reality, there are many unseen dangers in not fixing a cracked windshield.
Your vehicle’s windshield blocks rain, snow, wind, sleet and more while providing clear visibility while you drive. Some cracks may appear small enough to ignore for the time being but just because you can drive with a cracked windshield doesn’t mean that you should.
DANGER AND SAFETY ISSUES
A cracked windshield comes with many unseen dangers, some of which are life-threatening. By fixing your windshield immediately you can reduce the chances of a bigger problem down the road.
A crack compromises the structural integrity of your windshield.
If your windshield is cracked, the chances of it not doing its job in a collision are greater. If you’re in a collision, you may be more likely to suffer injuries from the broken glass with a compromised windshield. Improper airbag deployment can also be a deadly factor as your windshield serves as the backdrop that directs the inflated airbag towards you in a collision.
The windshield can also be compromised structurally and may not perform properly in the event of a roll-over accident. In a roll-over collision, your vehicle’s roof may be more likely to collapse if the windshield doesn’t hold up to the weight as it was intended to.
Visual Impairment
When you’re driving, your windshield is responsible for keeping your view of the road clear and unhindered. If there is even a small crack, and something or someone appears in the blind spot that crack has created, you could be opening yourself up to a bad situation. Cracks can spread over time, so a minor crack that could have been repaired can become a much more costly expense, to the extent of possibly needing a new windshield.
CAR WINDSHIELD REPAIR
While it may seem like a good idea to attempt an at home or DIY repair, there are a lot of reasons why you should take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for windshield repair. An auto repair shop can quickly and efficiently repair your windshield or can replace your windshield if necessary.
A quality auto glass repair will prevent a chip or crack from spreading and help hide the original damage without having to remove the original glass. Acting quickly before the crack spreads is very important. If the crack gets too large or spreads too far, auto glass replacement may be your only option.
Windshield repair is also sometimes covered by your insurance but if you must pay out of pocket, repairs are often inexpensive and done quickly by an auto repair specialist.
If you notice a small crack in your windshield, don’t wait to get it repaired. A small crack can turn into a much larger and costlier problem in the future.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Orangevale, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing the Sacramento area including Folsom, Fair Oaks, and Roseville.
