Hearing the sound of a rock hitting your windshield can make you feel as if that rock just landed in your stomach, especially when you see the chip or crack left behind. But how safe is a cracked windshield? To determine just how safe it is to drive your vehicle with a chipped or cracked windshield there are a few things you need to consider before you can take any action toward getting it fixed. What are those things? Let’s get crackin’ on your cracked windshield to find out.
Field of Vision
It is important to note that if the chip or crack is anywhere in your field of vision, you shouldn’t continue driving the vehicle. In fact, if it happens while you are driving, you should pull over and call for a tow. So how safe is a cracked windshield? In this case, it is not safe at all. If the chip or crack is at the bottom, the top, or on the passenger side of the windshield it should be safe enough to get you to an auto glass repair shop nearby or even your home. Do you have further auto glass repair questions? Read on.
Repair or Replace
Some “windshield injuries” are easier to deal with than others. If the chip is small and dealt with as soon as possible, it may be possible to repair it without replacing the whole windshield. This can definitely save some cash. Even some small cracks can be safely handled this way. The answer to “how safe is a cracked windshield?” is much easier to provide when all you need is a simple windshield chip repair. Right?
Some cracks won’t be as easy to fix, however, and will require a windshield replacement. If the crack extends all the way to an outer edge of the glass it will affect the structural integrity of the entire vehicle. This is because the windshield helps to support the frame, providing impact resistance to the entire vehicle. A windshield also works to keep passengers inside the vehicle in a collision. Certain cracks will jeopardize the vehicle’s ability to protect those it’s intended to. If the crack is severe enough, you will need to have the windshield replaced instead of just repaired.
Mobile Repair
Many auto glass repair shops offer mobile repair services which can save you quite a bit of time and headache when dealing with your chipped or cracked windshield. If a technician can come to your residence or even workplace to repair a chip or small crack, or even replace the entire windshield if necessary, the whole process can be more convenient and quite painless. Mobile auto glass techs are trained to handle most windshield repairs and replacements onsite.
After evaluating the need to repair or replace your windshield immediately or not it is time to evaluate further. Do you need to replace to whole windshield or just repair minor damage? Once you’ve taken care of a repair or replacement, depending on your needs, you won’t have to continue wondering, “how safe is a cracked windshield?” Your windshield will be perfectly safe once again, protecting the precious cargo that are your vehicle’s passengers.
