Is Driving With a Cracked Windshield Safe?

Have you noticed a crack in your windshield? Are you wondering if it’s anything to worry about and if you can continue driving safely with it? We’ve got you covered with all of the answers you need below.

More Than an Inconvenience: It Could Be Dangerous and Illegal

If your windshield is cracked, it’s time to take action. This damage isn’t only inconvenient and unattractive; it can also be dangerous. And the bigger the crack, the more serious the risk of harm while on the road.

How Can a Crack in Your Windshield Put You at Risk While You’re Driving?

If it’s in your field of vision, a windshield crack can make it difficult for you to see the road ahead.

A crack can affect the structural integrity of your whole windshield, and if it gets big enough, it might lead to a shattered windshield, even while you’re driving. Yikes!

If you’re ever in a front-end collision, the cracked windshield will be more likely to shatter and cause injuries to the people inside the car.

If you’re ever in an accident and your car ends up rolling over, your cracked windshield might not be able to provide the support that it should, and that could increase the risk of the roof collapsing.

Did you know that a cracked windshield can even affect airbag deployment and make the driver and passengers more vulnerable to injuries? It’s true! If you’re in an accident and your airbag is triggered, your cracked windshield might not be able to withstand the force, and that could lead to ineffective deployment of the airbag and shattering of the windshield.

You Might End up With a Ticket Because of Your Broken Windshield

Because of the many safety risks associated with a damaged windshield, law enforcement makes sure to keep an eye out for people who are driving vehicles that have cracked windshields. If you want to avoid being pulled over and possibly fined, your first step should be to visit a repair shop that specializes in windshields. It’s that simple!

You Should Definitely Get Your Windshield Fixed ASAP

Even if you’re able to drive legally with a small chip, scratch, or crack in your windshield, it’s possible that it will only get worse over time, thanks to factors like sunlight, temperature changes, vibrations and bumps while driving, and heat, ice, and snow.

Dirt and moisture can also get into the crack and cause it to spread across your windshield over time. And the larger the crack gets the more it could get in the way of your visibility, and the higher the odds that you’ll get a ticket.

The bottom line is this: if you notice that your windshield is cracked or chipped, you should address this problem right away. Delaying will only boost the odds of the damage getting worse, potentially putting you at greater risk of injury.

In addition to that, once a crack gets bigger, it will also be more expensive to repair, and it’s more likely that the windshield will need to be replaced completely. So fixing it now can save you money, and prevent frustration, in the future.

Let Baker Glass Take Care of Everything!

Even if you notice a tiny fracture, let an expert take a look. It might be possible to repair, rather than replace, a windshield before a crack gets worse and makes driving even more dangerous. Remember, you want your windshield to be in tip-top shape to help you stay as safe as possible while you’re on the road.

At Baker Glass, we specialize in windshield repair and replacement. Our experts will take care of everything, so you can rest assured your windshield will be good as new, whether you have minor or extensive damage. Contact us today to learn all about our affordable in-shop and mobile service options so you won’t have to drive around with a cracked windshield anymore!

Sources:

 

https://www.fixautousa.com/blog/illegal-drive-cracked-windshield/
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/culture/commuting/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-crack-in-your-windshield/article4425719/
https://info.glass.com/can-a-cracked-windshield-shatter/

https://www.carwise.com/blog/2021/02/08/how-do-i-fix-my-cracked-windshield/
https://www.gerbercollision.com/articles/think-driving-with-a-cracked-windshield-poses-no-danger