Why a Damaged Windshield Is a Safety Risk
If you have comprehensive car insurance, repairing a damaged windshield could be fully covered, with no deductible to pay.
So, what are you waiting for?
The longer you delay getting your windshield repaired, the higher the chances of facing serious consequences. Here’s a breakdown of why leaving a damaged windshield unattended could be risky and how it can affect your safety.
The Dangers of Ignoring a Cracked Windshield
Any form of structural damage to your windshield compromises its ability to provide adequate protection, especially when you need it most. Cracks, chips, or missing sections of glass can significantly reduce the windshield’s strength, making it more likely to shatter in a collision.
To ensure the stability of your windshield, it’s crucial to address any damage as soon as it occurs.
Small Cracks & Chips Will Only Get Worse
Just like other components of your car, a damaged windshield will deteriorate over time. A minor crack or chip, if left unchecked, can expand and become a bigger problem.
Fixing small chips early on is far less costly and time-consuming than dealing with a larger, more complicated issue later. Typically, repairing small windshield damages takes minimal time and can prevent more extensive work down the line.
Your Insurance May Not Cover the Entire Repair
While insurance companies are generally required to cover windshield repairs without a deductible, they may impose limits on how much they will pay for the repair or replacement.
To avoid extra out-of-pocket costs, it’s advisable to contact a certified auto glass repair expert from SRG Auto Glass sooner rather than later. Addressing the problem now can help you avoid higher costs in the future.
You and Your Car Become a Safety Hazard
If you’re not the only person driving or riding in your vehicle, it’s essential to make sure your car is safe for everyone. This includes ensuring that all glass, especially the windshield, is free from damage.
Our skilled technicians can inspect your entire vehicle and make sure all the windows, including the windshield, are in top condition, ensuring your car remains safe for all passengers.
You Could Receive a Ticket
In many places, it’s illegal to drive with a cracked or damaged windshield, as it obstructs your view of the road. Any crack, especially one in your direct line of sight, needs to be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid a traffic violation.
Ignoring windshield damage could lead to fines or even more severe legal consequences.
Compromised Structural Integrity
Your windshield plays a vital role in the structural integrity of your vehicle. It provides essential support for the roof and helps prevent it from caving in during an accident.
A damaged windshield won’t be able to perform this critical role effectively. Repairing your windshield promptly helps maintain the safety of the vehicle and its occupants in case of a collision.
Risk of Malfunctioning Airbags
Airbags are designed to deploy in a collision and cushion the impact. However, if your windshield is damaged, it might not be able to handle the force of an airbag deployment. This could cause the glass to shatter or break, leaving you and your passengers vulnerable to injury.
Fixing a damaged windshield ensures that your airbags work as they should, providing maximum safety in an accident.
How to Know If You Need a New Windshield
If you’ve noticed damage to your windshield, you might be wondering if a full replacement is necessary. While this can be costly, it’s often not required. Many types of windshield damage can be repaired.
Here’s how we determine whether a damaged windshield can be repaired or needs a full replacement:
Factors That Decide Whether to Repair or Replace a Damaged Windshield
1. Size of the Damage
For most windshields, the damage shouldn’t extend beyond the size of a dollar bill. If a crack is too long or a chip too deep, it may be time for a replacement. If left untreated, even small cracks can spread, making a repair impossible and requiring a full replacement.
2. Location of the Damage
Damage located in the driver’s direct line of sight can impair your ability to drive safely, even after a repair. Similarly, cracks in the corners of the windshield are dangerous because these areas are structurally weak and could cause the window to shatter unexpectedly. In these cases, replacement is recommended for safety reasons.
3. Extent of the Damage
Sometimes, a single crack or chip isn’t the problem. For example, multiple cracks or damage caused by hailstorms or flying debris may require a full replacement. A windshield that’s pocked with multiple cracks is more likely to shatter without warning.
Whenever you notice any damage to your windshield, it’s essential to have it inspected by professional auto glass installers right away. Addressing the issue promptly can save you money and ensure your vehicle remains safe on the road.
Checkout: Dangers of a Cracked Windshield
If you live in the Maryland, you’re lucky because SRG Auto Glass has the best Auto Glass Installers in the Cities.
They specialize in the following:
- Auto Glass Repair and Replacement
- Windshield Replacement and Repair
To find out if your windshield can be repaired, contact our team today. Our expert technicians will examine your window and recommend the most affordable and safest option for its condition.
