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5 FAQs About Cracked Windshields

Admin • December 18, 2019

Crack Windshield — Seattle, WA — MS Glass Outlet

A crack in your vehicle's windshield is frustrating, especially when the crack appears directly in the line of vision. A crack in this location makes it unsafe to drive your car, which is why you should get it repaired right away.

Another reason to get your cracked windshield repaired right away is that you don't want the crack to become bigger, which is prone to happen over time. If you have a damaged windshield and are not sure what to do about it, you probably have lots of questions.

Here are the answers to five frequently asked questions.

1. What Causes Cracks in Windshields?

One of the most common causes of a cracked windshield is rocks and other hard objects that come flying at your windshield. This can happen when loose gravel is on the road or debris falls from a vehicle you are following. Besides rocks and flying debris, a crack in your windshield can happen in other ways.

In some instances, the windshield may not have been installed properly. When this happens, the windshield might be too loose, and any tiny vibration can cause it to crack. Another major cause of cracked windshields is the weather. Changes in temperature, heat from sunlight, and wind blowing heavy objects on the windshield can all cause it to crack.

One more weather-related event that causes cracks in windshield is hail. Severe thunderstorms usually include both wind and hail. While severe thunderstorms aren't that common in the Pacific Northwest, you should always heed weather warnings and get your vehicle inside in order to protect it from hail and wind damage.

2. How Do I Prevent the Crack From Spreading?

If you do get a little crack in your windshield, you certainly don't want it to get worse. If you can't get your windshield fixed right away, you can do some things to prevent the crack in the glass from spreading. Here are some things you can try at home:

Apply Super Glue to it if the crack is small enough.
Clean the crack and apply a liberal amount of acrylic nail polish to it.
Avoid parking your car outdoors, as the heat, snow, rain, and wind will cause the crack to spread.

It's important to note that applying Super Glue or nail polish to the crack in your windshield is only a temporary fix. You will still need to get your windshield repaired.

3. Is It Dangerous to Drive With a Cracked Windshield?

If the crack in your windshield impedes your vision in any way, it makes driving your vehicle dangerous. Besides hindering your view of everything that is in front of your vehicle, other dangers are also associated with a cracked windshield.

A windshield is a very important part of your vehicle. Along with allowing you to see what's in front of you, the windshield offers structural integrity in the event of a crash. In the event your vehicle is involved in an accident that affects the front end, a fully intact windshield without any damage helps transfer the force of the crash to the chassis instead of inside the vehicle.

A windshield with a crack in it, especially a large one, will not offer as much protection for you or the passengers inside your vehicle. An intact windshield can also prevent the roof of the vehicle from caving in during a rollover.

4. Is It Against the Law to Drive With a Cracked Windshield?

Because of the dangers associated with a cracked windshield, some states in the country have laws pertaining to driving a vehicle in this condition. While no such laws exist in Washington or Oregon, there are federal restrictions when it comes to cracks in the windshield.

The windshield is permitted to have a crack as long as it is less than 3/4 inch in diameter. However, these tiny cracks should be at least 3 inches away from other cracks. If the crack is in the driver's direct line of vision, this is against federal regulations.

Since a tiny crack can easily spread, it's important to get it taken care of right away before a cracked windshield becomes a reason to get pulled over.

5. Who Should I Contact About Windshield Repair?

If you have a crack in your windshield and need to get it repaired, it's important to go to a professional glass repair shop. These professionals use high-quality glass, work with all makes and models of both domestic and foreign vehicles, and use modern technology when it comes to repairing and replacing auto glass. They will also know how to work with your insurance company.

If your entire windshield needs to be replaced, professional glass shops will also know all the state laws pertaining to windshield replacement.

If you are in need of professional auto glass repair and live in Oregon or Washington, contact MS Glass Outlet. In Oregon, we have locations in Portland, Milwaukee, Beaverton, and Salem. In Washington we have locations in Seattle and Vancouver.

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