When it happens, it’s typically not dangerous to drive with a crack or chip in your windshield. Over time, however, it can be.
A chipped or cracked windshield is one of those repairs that should be taken care of sooner than later. As time goes on, it presents more serious safety concerns.
Damaged Windshields Provide Less Protection
The function of your windshield is to protect you and your passengers. A small chip resulting from flying debris will more than likely grow into a full-blown crack, compromising the integrity of the windshield.
A chipped or cracked windshield cannot provide you with the protection it was built to handle should there be further damaging debris that hits it or if you are in an accident.
Another function of your windshield is to provide more stability and structural support to the roof of your car. If the integrity of the windshield is comprised, so is part of the structural support system of the roof. In a rollover accident, the roof could more easily collapse.
Proper Airbag Deployment
Airbags are dependent in part on the structural integrity of the windshield. If the windshield is cracked, it may affect the proper functioning of deployed airbags and ultimately, the safety of the driver and passengers of a vehicle involved in a collision.
In certain cars, airbags deploy and hit the windshield, especially the passenger side airbag. If the windshield is weakened by a crack, it may not be able to withstand the force of the deployed airbag.
This could result in the airbag not deploying properly or cause the airbag to malfunction and not deploy at all.
Chips and Cracks Spread
What starts out as a seemingly small and insignificant chip or crack usually tends to grow and spread.
During hot California summers, the air conditioning is usually set on high. When the cold air inside connects with the hot air outside through the glass, the glass shrinks and further cracks.
Windshields today are built to avoid shattering, but cracks certainly weaken the glass. Because of weather conditions, moisture, bumps that jar the glass and other stress factors, your windshield probably won’t shatter.
However, in case of a collision, the weakened windshield cannot offer the same level of protection from injury.
Damaged Windshields Are Distracting
A chip or crack in your windshield is the first thing your eyes are naturally drawn to as you drive. If the sun hits just right, the crack acts as a blinding prism which impairs your vision and can be dangerous.
If the crack is in the driver’s line of vision, it can severely impact visibility.
It won’t take long for dirt, dust, debris and moisture to settle in the crack and make it even harder to see while driving.
Damaged Windshields Decrease Value
Whether trying to sell your car or impress someone on a date, a damaged windshield takes away from your car’s value. It’s the first thing people notice, and it takes away from the appearance of your vehicle.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of reasons to get a chipped or cracked windshield repaired as soon as possible. The biggest reason ultimately boils down to your safety.
When you need an estimate or collision repair to make sure you and your passengers are always safe on the road, call Downtown Autobody. We’ve been keeping Sonoma County vehicles safe since 2004.