Damaging your windshield is a huge inconvenience and is almost always completely unexpected. It may have become damaged from a storm, vandalism, or a stone being thrown up from the tire of the car in front of you. Whether the damage is extensive or minor, you should avoid putting off repairing or replacing it. It may seem like something that can wait, especially if you have a busy schedule or you are on a tight budget but here are some important reasons to not delay.
- Your windshield is an important safety feature.
The windshield of a car is actually extremely important to overall safety. Not only does it prevent debris from flying inside and striking passengers but it also can potentially prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle in an accident. It also plays a major part in the structural integrity of the vehicle. If you are in a rollover accident, it is the windshield that will prevent the roof from collapsing. In addition to these, the windshield assists with the proper deployment of the airbags. The airbags are meant to bounce off the windshield towards the passengers.
Any type of damage to the windshield whether it’s just a chip or a long crack will weaken it, increasing the chances of it shattering and resulting in severe or life threatening injuries.
- Windshield damage can spread
What you may consider a very small crack or chip can sometimes rather quickly spread into a much larger one. Vibrations from normal driving, or driving on a bumpy road can cause the crack to spread. Also, the temperature can cause this to happen. Normally temperature changes won’t affect the windshield but when it is weakened from damage, the contracting and expanding of the glass can worsen the existing damage.
- More costly
Minor damage can in most cases be easily repaired. However, by delaying your repair, you are risking having the problem become worse. As the damage spreads, it may eventually come to a point where repair is no longer an option and a windshield replacement is required which is a lot more expensive.
The bottom line is that any damage done to your windshield should not be ignored. It is a serious safety hazard. While a windshield repair or replacement may be an unexpected expense, nothing is worth your and others’ safety while on the road. Dealing with a crack or chip immediately will save you money in the long run. Call Auto Glass Depot for a free quote!
