A tiny crack or chip in glass can be easy to ignore, especially if it isn’t in the driver’s line of sight. However, it’s never a good idea to ignore the damage to the glass, as it can cause issues for the driver. Instead, any time there is damage to a windshield, it’s important for the vehicle’s owner to have it replaced. Some of the ways replacing a windshield can help include the following.
Reduce Compromised Visibility
A crack or chip might not seem like much, but it can compromise the driver’s visibility. Even if it’s small, if the sun shines through it the right way, it could cause vision issues while driving. Or, depending on the size of the crack or chip, it could make it harder to see something outside of the vehicle and lead to an accident. It’s always better to have an expert auto glass replacement done rather than to risk compromised visibility while driving.
Increase Protection in a Crash
If the vehicle is involved in a crash and the windshield is already cracked, it’s far more likely to break further, and broken glass can fall into the vehicle, increasing the injuries sustained by the occupants. This can lead to lacerations, glass embedded in the body, or other cuts and scratches, some of which can be life-threatening. By replacing the glass when any issues are detected, it’s possible to restore the integrity of the windshield to help keep everyone safer.
Prevent it From Getting Worse
A small crack or chip isn’t going to stay small forever. Even if it doesn’t seem like much now, chances are, it’s going to grow over time and become more of an issue. How quickly it grows can depend on a number of different factors. It can also grow fast because of something hitting the windshield. Normally, small objects bounce off the windshield harmlessly, but if the windshield is already compromised, even a tiny object hitting it can cause the crack to get larger rapidly.
Avoid Getting a Ticket
In many states, there are laws about driving with a cracked windshield. There are even federal laws that make driving with a cracked windshield illegal. If a driver is spotted driving with a crack or chip in the windshield, they can be pulled over and may be issued a ticket. This makes the problem more expensive to deal with, as they now have to pay the ticket on top of the repair cost.
Prevent Issues With Insurance
If a driver is involved in an accident, their insurance company will want to determine fault to decide who pays for the victim’s compensation. If the windshield was damaged, it could mean the driver is considered at fault for the accident, depending on the size of the damage and how the accident happened. Even if they aren’t found to be at fault, the amount paid to fix their vehicle can be reduced because it was damaged before the accident occurred.
If you’ve noticed any damage to your vehicle’s windshield, even if it seems insignificant now, it’s a good idea to get it fixed as quickly as possible. Most of the time, replacements can be done in as little as a few hours, and they can help restore the integrity of the vehicle. Talk to a specialist to learn more about the options for your vehicle or how to schedule a windshield replacement.