Here Is Why You Should Not Drive With a Cracked Windshield

If you notice a small crack in your car's windshield, you may dismiss it and keep driving. However, windshield cracks are dangerous to you and your passengers. Find out more about the risks of a cracked windshield below.

Cracks Obstruct Your Vision

Anything that distracts a driver, including cracks or chips that draw your eye, can cause accidents. Moreover, cracks reflect sunlight and result in a blinding glare that takes your attention from the road. 

If you leave the crack unrepaired, moisture, sand, and dirt seep through and cause distortion. Also, cracks are hazardous in foggy or wet weather when you need perfect clarity to avoid accidents.

Windshield Cracks Affect a Car's Structural Integrity

Contrary to common belief, a windshield protects not only drivers and passengers from the elements, but It's also a vital part of a car's safety system, along with seat belts and airbags.

The windshield offers up to 45 percent of the cabin's structural integrity in case of a front-end collision and up to 60 percent in a rollover. In other words, the windshield keeps the roof from crashing into you or your passengers. Similarly, it facilitates the deployment of airbags and keeps passengers in the car during a collision. Passengers retained in vehicles during collisions often suffer less severe injuries.

Cracks and chips also affect the windshield's ability to protect you in an accident. Moreover, the impact of a collision easily shatters the windshield, and the broken glass will injure your passengers. Thus, it's essential to maintain the windshield in optimum condition to improve your chances of surviving accidents.

Windshield Cracks Spread Over Time

That seemingly small crack in your windshield is a time bomb. Windshield chips grow into large cracks across the glass in no time due to factors like:

Drastic Temperature Changes

A well-functioning windshield resists the forces caused by extreme temperatures. However, low or high temperatures can worsen windshield cracks. During winter, water lands on the cracks, where it freezes and expands, which stresses the glass. 

Also, a cracked windshield is less capable of withstanding the difference between cold weather and a warm interior. What's more, the windshield may curve and cause the crack to extend horizontally. If you leave your automobile under the hot sun, the windshield heats up and causes the cracks to widen.

Dirt

When dirt and debris get into a windshield crack, they cause the damage to widen. While some drivers place clear tape over the crack to keep out dirt, this is only a temporary fix. The best and safest approach is to seek urgent auto glass repair. 

Road Bumps

Any movement or vibration can worsen windshield cracks and compromise your safety further. Thus, don't slam on the brakes, close the door roughly or drive over potholes. However, chips and cracks get worse over time, no matter how carefully you drive.

You Attract Penalties and Fines

A cracked windshield is not only risky but also illegal in most municipalities. For example, motorists in Oregon shouldn't drive a vehicle that risks the safety of passengers or other drivers. In most cases, a large crack or chip on the driver's side is enough ground for a citation. Similarly, other states have laws that require windshields to be free of cracks, chips, and other distractions. 

Moreover, chips and cracks in the windshield are common causes of inspection failure. Some states have stringent auto standards, and you should ensure your windshield is in optimal shape.

You Shouldn't Repair Cracks on Your Own

The DIY culture has inspired many car owners to attempt many kinds of auto repairs. What's more, the many windshield repair kits in the market can encourage you to fix windshield chips on your own. However, windshield repair needs precision and expertise. You can damage your car further and cause the crack to spread across the windshield.

Most drivers who use repair kits want to avoid the costs of professional repair. However, you may leave the windshield beyond repair and incur higher replacement costs. Moreover, the windshield will crack again after a shoddy repair job. Keep in mind that DIY repairs void vehicle warranties. Thus, the problem becomes worse if an accident occurs due to your poor repairs.

Trust the Experts

When it comes to windshield cracks, the best tip is to act quickly. Fortunately, an auto glass expert prevents the chip from further spread. If you wait too long, windshield replacement, which is costlier and time-consuming, is your only option. 

A properly installed windshield shelters your passenger in case of a collision. Moreover, it gives you confidence on the road and provides excellent clarity. Moreover, repair kits don't have the kind of specialized equipment that is in a repair shop.

When you bring your automobile to MS Glass Outlet, you meet a team of experienced technicians ready to repair windshield cracks. Call us today at (888) 227-0555 to safely get your car back on the road.