Is Driving With a Cracked Windshield Dangerous?

Driving with a cracked windshield frequently seems more inconvenient and frustrating than dangerous. However, in some situations, a cracked windshield is dangerous and should be taken care of immediately. Whether you’re dealing with a small crack or a large one, consider your options carefully.

Size

One of the most important things you need to consider when deciding whether or not to get the crack fixed or the windshield replaced is the size of the crack. A small crack or chip isn’t generally going to impair your driving. However, if the crack is large or starting to grow, you’ll want to get it fixed or have the windshield completely replaced by a professional. Many states even have laws against driving with windshield cracks that are too large.

In some cases, you may be able to fix the crack yourself with repair options from an auto parts store. Usually, you can do this if the crack is smaller than a quarter. It’s a good idea to get the crack or chip professionally looked at to ensure that it’s fixed properly. If you’re dealing with less than 12 inches of damage, it generally is repairable. A crack larger than this usually means that you need to replace the windshield.

Position

It’s also important to keep in mind the position of the crack or chip. If it’s directly within your line of sight, it’s crucial to get the windshield repaired. Having a crack in your line of vision may just seem like an annoyance, but in certain situations it can actually impede your view. On top of this, if the crack is in the driver’s line of sight, it’s illegal to drive with the windshield like this. If you can see clearly out of the window without the damage interfering, remember that it’s still a good idea to fix the crack as soon as possible. Otherwise, it may grow and quickly become a larger issue.

Structural Integrity

Even a small chip can cause damage to the structural integrity of the windshield. This means that the windshield is not going to do its job properly if you’re in an accident. In fact, in some cases, a crack or chip can cause the entire windshield to shatter if there is even a small amount of damage to the car. To ensure the structural integrity of the windshield, it’s important to get the damage checked and fixed as soon as possible. In some cases, depending on the location of the crack and the size of the damage, you may need to completely replace the glass. While this can be an expensive fix, it’s an important one. A windshield with good structural integrity keeps you safe.

If you notice that there’s a crack in your windshield, make sure to take care of the problem quickly. Small cracks can turn into large ones quickly. Even small actions such as shutting the doors too hard can cause the crack to grow. This leads to a more expensive fix and the possibility of driving with illegal damage to the vehicle.

Image via Pixabay

Posted in Driving Safety | No Comments »