Fixing your windshield can’t wait. We all see other drivers going down the road with a damaged windshield. Unfortunately, those folks are in for a world of hurt because procrastination is your worst enemy when it comes to repairing your windshield. The damage may seem like a small matter, but it can very easily escalate into something bigger and more serious. Here are several reasons why you shouldn’t wait to get your windshield repaired. 

Chips and Cracks Spread

Small chips and cracks may seem insignificant to you, but they can easily become a big problem. As glass expands in heat and contracts in cold, a small chip or crack can easily turn into a larger mess if the temperature outside or inside the car isn’t moderate. That little chip in your windshield may be no problem until you find it covered in a sheet of ice. Merely turning on the heat in your car in cold weather can worsen cracks and cause auto glass shattering. Conversely, turning on the air conditioning on a hot summer day could result in cracks and auto glass shattering, as well. This is why it’s critical to get your autoglass repaired before extreme weather hits.  

Additionally, a crack or chip on the windshield can spread due to other things, like the change in air pressure. Bumpy roads or unexpected movement can also cause a chip or crack to spread very quickly. Luckily, minor chips can easily be repaired, at low costs. If they aren’t repaired in time, they can spread until replacing the windshield is your only viable option. Consult a professional immediately to assess the severity of the chip or crack in your autoglass. A professional will advise you on whether you need repair or replacement of your windshield. 

Some Cracks Cannot Be Fixed

If you wait too long to get your chip or break fixed, the damage may increase and render your windshield unrepairable. There is a simple test you can perform with a dollar bill to determine if your windshield crack can be fixed. Hold a dollar bill alongside the crack. If the crack extends longer than the bill, your windshield cannot be repaired and likely needs replacement. Take it in immediately for auto glass replacement. If it is smaller than the dollar bill, still take it in immediately to get the crack or chip fixed so it doesn’t spread.  Fixing your windshield can’t wait. 

A Cracked Windshield Is More Dangerous In A Wreck

Windshields are meant to be strong. The layers of auto glass that comprise your windshield keep the roof from crumbling and maintains the frame of your vehicle. A single crack can threaten the strength and integrity of the whole vehicle. If you get into an accident, even a minor one, your cracked windshield could cause major structural issues and damage. The cracked glass in an accident can also send shards of glass flying through the air during an accident. You are also at a higher risk of being ejected from your vehicle in an accident, because it is the windshields job to keep you in the vehicle. 

Additionally, the windshield in your car directs the deployment of the airbags when your car gets into a collision. A cracked windshield will be unable to tolerate the brunt of collision leading to a failed airbag deployment. A failed airbag could mean serious injuries and even death. A cracked windshield is a weak windshield. Don’t take the risk with yours and your passengers’ safety. Fix your windshield right away. 

Your Vision Will Be Obstructed

A small chip can obstruct your vision just enough that you aren’t able to react quick enough to avoid a crash. Since windshields are made up of several layers of tempered glass, a chip or crack may cause a prism effect. This could obstruct your view of pedestrians, bikers, and animals that you might miss. Auto glass is made to be clear and give you a full view of the road and any obstacles you might encounter. A crack or chip in the windshield can also prove to be a distraction. It is not safe to drive when your vision is obstructed or when you are distracted. Get any chips or cracks fixed right away. 

It Is Illegal 

Driving with a crack in your windshield is illegal. Policy makers noticed the correlation between cracked windshields and car accidents. Because of this, laws are in effect around the country that prevent you from driving around with a crack or large chip in your windshield. You could get pulled over and get a ticket if a police officer notices while you are driving. Most municipalities let you fix your windshield and show proof, so the ticket is not on your record. Rather than go through all of that, it is best to take care of the problem as soon as you notice it and not get a ticket. 

It Gets More Expensive The Longer You Wait

As we said above, cracks and chips can spread and get worse if you leave them alone. Ignoring them could also cause you to need to get your entire windshield replaced. A small crack or chip is much cheaper to fix than a large one. The longer you wait, the higher your costs will be. Repairing chips typically costs around a hundred dollars, while replacement could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on what type of vehicle you drive. Don’t let a one hundred dollar problem turn into a five hundred dollar problem. Fix your windshield as soon as the issue is apparent.

Auto Glass Repair Is Fast

Most people have the idea in their head that it will take a whole day to fix or replace a broken windshield. That is not true. A skilled auto glass technician can fix your windshield in 20 minutes or less, if it is a small problem. Windshield replacement usually averages between 1 to 3 hours. Bring your car to us so we can get you in and out. 

Don’t resort to DIY solutions for your crack or chip in your windshield. Fix your windshield right away. A trained professional is the best at handling situations like this to ensure your safety. Contact us today at 877-49-GLASS to get started!