Driving With Side Window Damage? How Your Safety is at Risk
Experiencing damage to your car’s side window can leave you wondering whether immediate repairs are necessary. You might be tempted to cover it with a tarp or garbage bag and call it a day. However, temporary fixes like these offer no real protection and could jeopardize your safety. Here’s why it’s crucial to address side window damage promptly, as explained by SRG Auto Glass:
Makeshift Covers Don’t Offer Protection
If your side windows are damaged, it might seem convenient to cover them with a tarp or a plastic trash bag. While this quick fix can keep out bugs and debris, it provides little to no protection for you and your passengers.
Driving at higher speeds poses a significant risk when using makeshift covers. The wind can easily rip them off, leaving your window fully exposed. If that happens, you’re vulnerable to flying debris and other hazards, which can result in serious injuries.
Additionally, in the unfortunate event of a collision, a thin layer of plastic won’t shield you from broken glass or sharp metal fragments that may enter the car’s interior.
For your safety and peace of mind, it’s always better to skip the temporary fixes and invest in proper auto glass repair or side window replacement.
Water Can Damage Your Vehicle’s Electrical Components
A side window damage leaves your vehicle vulnerable to water damage, which can lead to costly electrical issues. If your car is parked outdoors, there’s no escaping the rain—and when it falls, water will find its way inside. And it’s not just your seats that will get wet.
Even with a plastic cover or tarp in place, the lack of a proper seal allows moisture to seep in. Water can trickle into your center console, soak your electronic window controls, and even reach behind the dashboard.
When water comes into contact with electrical wiring, the result is often short circuits and malfunctioning systems. Repairing these issues can be far more expensive than simply replacing the damaged window.
For your wallet and your vehicle’s safety, it’s best to address a broken window with professional side window replacement. rather than relying on temporary fixes.
You’re a Theft Magnet
Driving with a side window damage is like rolling out a welcome mat for thieves. This is especially risky when parking in unsupervised public areas. Even in locations with security cameras, surveillance isn’t always enough to deter determined burglars.
A chipped or cracked window weakens the glass, making it much easier for someone to break in and access your vehicle. Covering the window with a tarp or plastic sheet only draws more attention to the vulnerability, turning your car into an even bigger target. If this is your current solution, avoiding public parking may be your only safeguard.
Instead of taking chances with your safety and belongings, prioritize scheduling a proper auto glass repair or replacement. While it may seem like an unwanted expense, it’s far less costly than dealing with a stolen vehicle or losing valuable possessions.
Temporary Covers Put Other Drivers at Increased Risk
Using a makeshift cover for side window damage doesn’t just endanger you—it also puts other drivers at serious risk. This creates a chain reaction that can lead to accidents, injuries, and liability issues.
Why? A temporary covering, such as a tarp or plastic sheet, can easily come loose, especially when driving at higher speeds. If it detaches and strikes another vehicle, it could block the driver’s view, impairing their ability to navigate safely.
The result? That driver might crash into your car or another vehicle due to limited visibility. In such cases, you could be held responsible for damages and injuries, as your unsecured cover was the cause of the incident.
To protect yourself and others, it’s best to address side window damage with a proper repair or replacement instead of relying on temporary fixes.
Steps to Take If Your Side Window Is Damaged
Regardless of the extent of the side window damage, timely repair is essential for safety and security. Follow these steps to address the issue:
1.Contact Your Insurance Company
If you have comprehensive coverage, file a claim for auto glass repair. If your policy doesn’t cover side window damage, you can move on to the next step.
2.Get Repair Estimates
Visit at least three auto glass repair shops to gather quotes. Share these estimates with your insurer if you’re filing a claim. Without insurance, comparing prices ensures you get the best deal.
3.Schedule the Repair
Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need an in-shop or mobile repair service. Discuss your options with the repair company to determine which is most convenient and appropriate for your situation.
Promptly addressing a damaged window not only safeguards your vehicle but also helps you avoid additional repair costs down the road.
To learn more on the dangers of driving with broken glass, check out Auto Glass Specialists.
