4 Things to Know Before Dealing With a Chipped or Cracked Windshield

Jun 05, 2021 03:57 PM EDT | Staff Reporter

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The windshield plays a vital role in your car, protecting you from the force of the wind and the impact from any flying debris. In the event of a rollover, it also goes a long way in ensuring the safety of you and your passengers.

Nonetheless, windshields develop cracks and chips over time for many reasons. It could be caused by a road accident, a minor collision, or vandalism. Whatever the cause, it is crucial to approach the issue while adequately informed, so you can ensure safety and avoid unforeseen damages. Here are some things you should know before dealing with a chipped or cracked windshield.

1. Driving With a Cracked Windshield Can Be Dangerous 

If you're reading this, you probably know that driving a car with a broken or chipped windshield can be a dangerous affair. Since it impedes your visibility on the road, it puts you and other road users at risk. Furthermore, you risk getting in trouble with traffic law enforcement by driving such a car. This is why the problem should be addressed as soon as possible before the ride is back on the road.

2. Repair vs. Replacement 

Depending on how bad the situation is, a cracked or chipped windshield can either be repaired or replaced. If you're looking at tempered rather than laminated glass, replacement makes more sense. It is also wiser to replace the glass if the crack is larger or longer than a dollar bill. The same case applies to cracks too deep or chips extending to the exterior edge of your windshield.

3. Quality of Windshield Glass

The automobile market is flooded with a lot of counterfeit products. If you are not careful, the quality of the windshield glass used in replacement could be inferior. This can be very frustrating if it results in poor vision while on the road or allows excessive solar radiation into the car.

While replacing your chipped or cracked windshield, be sure to check that the glass used is the best quality in the market. It will have a higher tensile strength and will serve you for many years. To get legitimate products, choose a licensed auto repair shop to help you. 

4. Choose an Experienced Repair Service 

Windshield repair and replacement is not a simple task. The process can be complex, and requires experienced hands. This is why you should consider hiring auto glass repair specialists to deal with your chipped or cracked windshield. They will recommend the best solutions and do the job professionally so you can get back on the road safely as soon as possible. Furthermore, such experts will also be insured and bonded.

A cracked or chipped windshield can feel like a nightmare to any driver or car owner. Since they affect visibility, such windshields can put drivers, passengers, and other road users in harm's way. They need to be dealt with as soon as one can. Before then, however, the above are just a few things you should know to ensure you get it right.

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