Reasons You Should Never Drive With A Cracked Windshield

A broken or cracked windshield may not seem like an urgent fix for your car since it typically doesn't interfere with your driving. However, it's never good to drive with a windshield that is broken or cracked, even if it has a minor chip. Consider some reasons why this is and why you should have this repair done as soon as possible.

1. Your safety is at risk

The windshield of your car does much more than keep bugs out of your teeth; it protects you during any number of accidents. In a rollover accident, the windshield actually supports the roof of the car so it has less risk of collapsing and crushing the driver and passengers. During a head-on collision, the windshield keeps you from flying out of the car completely, also reducing the risk of catastrophic injury.

When a windshield is cracked or broken or even if it has a small chip, this compromises its integrity. It is much less likely to stay intact during a rollover accident or if you or a passenger were to slam into it as the result of an accident. Instead, it may simply shatter, and, in turn, your own safety is compromised.

If the windshield is cracked and does shatter during an accident rather than staying intact, this can mean broken glass that can cause severe injury to anyone in the car.

2. One small chip can lead to a huge crack

When your windshield has a small chip and the integrity of the glass is compromised, this can lead to a huge crack forming if you were to hit a bump or be involved in a minor fender-bender accident. In turn, the repair is now more expensive as you may need to replace the windshield altogether. A small chip or crack can often be repaired with an injected plastic that fills this crevice, which is fast and usually very affordable. Rather than waiting and possibly facing a larger repair bill, have the minor chip repaired as soon as possible.

3. A cracked windshield can get you a ticket

You may not realize it, but a cracked windshield can probably get you a ticket by the police. In some cases it may simply be a warning with a deadline for getting it fixed, but in other cases it may be a steep fine. You would not only then face that fine but would also need to get your windshield fixed anyway. To avoid this added cost, have that chip or crack repaired as soon as possible.

For more information, contact an emergency glass repair specialist.