A cracked windshield is more than unsightly. Amazingly, the windshield is responsible for much of the structural integrity of your car. To let a crack go unrepaired eventually makes driving exceptionally dangerous. So the prudent thing to do when you have even a little crack is to get it fixed right away. Here are four reasons to get your windshield repaired.
Spider Webbing
Even a small windshield crack can spread out over time. This is called spider webbing because in the end the windshield just resembles a large spider web. Not only will you not be able to properly see out of the windshield when this happens, but there’s a risk that the entire windshield can collapse due to the stresses of simply driving the car.
Loss of Windshield’s Protection
Not only can the windshield itself cave in due to pressure, but if you are in a rollover accident with a cracked windshield, the roof of the car can cave in on you and any passengers you have in your car. An intact windshield also protects the occupants of a car in case of a crash. If you or your passengers aren’t wearing a seatbelt, you are at more risk of being thrown through the windshield if it’s already cracked.
Windshield Replacement
One good reason to repair a windshield crack when it’s still small is that the entire windshield won’t need to be replaced. Still, it’s always a good idea to check with an auto glass professional to make sure that you don’t actually need windshield replacement. Even a small crack that deeply penetrates the windshield may require a replacement, for example. When a crack is simply repaired, a mechanic injects resin into the area and drills holes in the crack to keep it from propagating. Here’s two more reasons to fix your cracked windshield. Driving with a cracked windshield is dangerous. In most states it is simply illegal to drive with a crack in your windshield. You could be stopped by the traffic police and given a fine.
Loss of Airbag Function
The proper deployment of an airbag also depends on the windshield being intact. An airbag that’s deployed when there’s a crack in the windshield can shatter the windshield further. This puts you and your passengers at risk.
Don’t go too long without getting a windshield crack looked into and repaired. Don’t attempt to repair the crack yourself. Only a professional can tell you whether or not you need a simple repair job or if your windshield needs to be entirely replaced.
