At some point, most drivers will experience a small chip or crack in the windshield of their car. This is a very common problem, however, as a driver, you may not realize just how dangerous letting a chipped windshield go unchecked can be. Even if it’s only the smallest bit of damage, here’s why it’s always better to be safe than sorry when you find a crack or chip in the windscreen of your vehicle.
Cracks Can Cause Distractions:
Even the smallest crack or chip in your windshield can quickly become a distraction and get in the way of your clear view of the road. This is particularly true if it’s directly in your line of vision, where it could prevent you from viewing the road clearly and compromise your own safety and that of others.
Less Protection on Impact:
If you have a crack in your windshield and are involved in an accident with another vehicle, then the damage to both your car and yourself could be even worse. The windshield is made up of two separate layers of glass which are kept together by a layer of vinyl resin in the middle, which serves to ensure that the glass is kept in place on impact and prevents shards from flying around causing even more damage. If your windshield is cracked, the resin is weakened and you could have large, dangerous pieces of glass flying off if you’re in a crash.
It Could Be Illegal:
A small crack in your windshield might seem like nothing at the time, but it can create so many potential hazards that you could get into trouble with the cops if you’re caught. If a cop sees your cracked windshield, you can often expect to get pulled over while they make sure that you’re on the way to have it repaired. And if it’s cracked badly, they might not even let you drive your car any further. So if you find windshield damage, it’s really not worth driving anywhere except the auto repair shop – check out these Tucson auto body shops for a full list of repairs and jobs.
You Might Not Be Insured:
You really don’t want to run the risk of driving without valid insurance as a driver. But even if you’ve already paid up for the year, make sure that you check the small print, as driving with a crack in your windshield or any other damage to your car could invalidate certain insurance policies. If you’ve noticed a crack in your windshield, it’s a wise idea to get in touch with your insurer – they will be able to advise you on your cover or pay out for the cost of having it repaired if windshield cover comes as part of your policy.
A small crack in your windshield might not seem like such a big deal. But it weakens your car on impact and it won’t get any smaller, so get it repaired right away.
