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Aug 21, 2024|Windshield Crack Repair

Dangers of Driving with a Cracked Windshield

Your vehicle’s windshield is an essential part of your vehicle, offering more than just protection from the elements. A windshield impacts the safety of your vehicle as well as its structural integrity. Many drivers underestimate the dangers of damage to their windshields, avoiding repairs until the problem becomes more substantial. In this blog, we’ll dive into the types of damage your windshield can encounter and their causes, why it’s dangerous to drive with a cracked windshield, and guidance on when to repair or replace your windshield. We’ll also take a look at legal obligations, safety tips, how to stop a windshield crack from spreading, and preventative steps and advice to help you stay safe on the road.

Driver navigating road with dangerous cracked windshield in Edmonton & Leduc

Types and Causes of Windshield Damage

Windshields can be damaged in various ways, and the damage can come in different shapes and sizes. Understanding the different types of damage your windshield can sustain is important in order to properly deal with the issue.

  1. Chip or Ding: While driving, debris can get kicked up by cars in front of you, which can cause small chips or divots in your windshield that could lead to larger issues.
  2. Bullseye: These are similar to chips or dings but with far more damage, resulting from direct impact with an object. These typically are too large to be repaired.
  3. Star Break: These can be large or small chips with cracks radiating out from the center, similar to a spiderweb. The size and depth of the damage determine repairability.
  4. Cracks: There are different types of cracks with different causes. It’s important to know the difference between them.
    1. Edge Crack: These cracks are usually caused by poor installation, issues in the manufacturing process, and stress. They are located within two inches of the windshield’s edge and often extend out.
    2. Stress Crack: These cracks don’t develop due to impact but can arise due to a rapid change in temperature or structural issues.
    3. Floater Crack: These cracks appear at least two inches from the edge of the windshield, usually near the center. They are usually caused by small impacts from debris.

Road debris, severe weather, such as hailstorms, rapid changes in temperature, or collisions are the most common ways that windshields are damaged. Small chips and cracks less than three inches long can usually be repaired.

Risks of Driving with a Cracked Windshield

While the dangers of driving with a cracked windshield may not be immediately apparent, it poses several risks that should be acknowledged:

  1. Compromised Structural Integrity: You may be surprised to find out that a windshield is an important aspect of your vehicle’s structural integrity, providing up to 30% of its structural strength.
  2. Impaired Vision: Cracks and dings located within the driver’s line of sight can not only obstruct vision but can distract the driver, increasing the risk of an accident.
  3. Airbag Malfunction: Many vehicles use the windshield as a backstop to help properly deploy the airbags during a collision. If the windshield’s integrity is compromised, the airbag’s deployment could exert too much force on the windshield, causing it to break and the airbag to deploy incorrectly, lowering its ability to protect the vehicle’s occupants.
  4. Worsening Damage: Even the smallest cracks and chips can spread if not tended to properly. If an existing crack is hit by debris while driving, it could cause greater damage.
  5. Increased Risk of Ejection: If your windshield’s structural integrity is compromised, it may break more easily in the event of a collision and could result in the ejection of the vehicle’s occupants.

Factors That Can Worsen Cracks

Certain conditions and situations can cause the cracks to get worse:

  1. Temperature Fluctuations: When the temperature changes rapidly, the windshield’s glass can expand or contract, which can exacerbate the cracks.
  2. Moisture: When water gets into the cracks, the pressure can cause the crack to spread, especially during cold winter months.
  3. Dirt and Debris: Dirt and debris can get into the cracks and are very hard to get out. This debris can make it harder to repair the windshield, making it more likely that the crack will spread.
  4. Vehicle Vibration: Your vehicle vibrates as you drive, especially on rough terrain, which can cause cracks to spread.

Legal Considerations

Driving with a cracked windshield can become a legal issue:

  1. Traffic Violations: It’s illegal to drive with a crack in the driver’s line of sight in many areas, and you may be issued a ticket.
  2. Inspection Failure: If your windshield is significantly damaged, it may not pass safety inspections and could prevent legal road operation.
  3. Insurance Issues: Pre-existing cracks in your windshield could invalidate insurance claims if you’re in an accident.

When to Repair vs. Replace

The decision to repair or replace your windshield depends on a few different factors:

  1. Size and Depth of the Crack: Usually, if a crack is longer than 6 inches or if a chip is deeper than half an inch, the windshield will need to be replaced.
  2. Location of the Crack: Edge cracks, cracks that could affect airbag deployment, and cracks located in the driver’s line of sight usually require replacement.
  3. Number of Cracks: Windshields with multiple chips or cracks usually need to be replaced.

DIY vs. Professional Repair

The choice to repair a windshield yourself or hire a professional will depend on your personal skill level as well as the extent of the damage:

  1. DIY Repair: Small chips and cracks may be able to be repaired with a repair kit, but these repairs are often temporary, and improper repairs can cause greater damage.
  2. Professional Repair: Windshields with large cracks or cracks in problem areas should be repaired professionally. Professionals have the expertise and materials to ensure the repairs last and the damage doesn’t spread.

Safety Tips and Preventative Measures

To avoid the dangers of driving with a cracked windshield, follow these safety tips and preventive measures:

  1. Regular Inspections: Routinely inspect your windshield for chips and cracks.
  2. Prompt Repairs: Address minor damage immediately to prevent spreading.
  3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Gradually warm up your car to avoid stress cracks.
  4. Safe Driving Practices: Stay a safe distance from other vehicles to minimize the risk of road debris impact.
  5. Quality Products and Services: Use high-quality windshield crack repair kits and professional services for repairs and cracked windshield replacements.

Contact Auto Glass Solutions to Repair or Replace Your Windshield

At Auto Glass Solutions, we understand that a cracked windshield is more than an aesthetic issue—it poses significant safety risks. It’s important to fix a car windshield crack swiftly to ensure your vehicle’s integrity and your safety. With over 30 years of experience serving Edmonton and Leduc, AB, our expert team is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and techniques to provide fast, reliable repairs and replacements. Don’t wait for a minor crack to become a major hazard. Contact Auto Glass Solutions today for a free quote and experience our hassle-free service at our Edmonton or Leduc locations. Your safety is our priority.

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