Should I Be Worried About a Windshield Crack?

Cracked windshields often appear seemingly out of nowhere, and it may be tempting to ignore them, particularly if they do not affect your field of vision. But this would be unwise as windshields play an essential role in car safety: providing structural support during rollover accidents, acting as the backboard for airbag deployment, and serving as a viewing area for advanced driver safety features such as lane departure warnings or adaptive cruise control.

Regarding small cracks in windshields, immediate attention must be taken to fix them as quickly as possible. Not only will this protect it from road debris flying up through it, but it can also prevent it from widening further over time.

Understanding how various cracks form is key to understanding their severity. You can take some steps to limit further windshield cracking, including keeping it away from direct sunlight and using clear tape over any visible cracks – both will keep dirt out while still giving you visibility through them.

Cracked windshields don’t always need replacing; depending on the nature of the damage, repair may be possible without needing to completely replace it. Cracks under two inches wide and one inch deep may be repaired without replacement; many shops also provide quick-fix services that involve applying clear resin over the damaged glass to make its crack less visible.

Some cracks may be too extensive to repair without complete windshield replacement. The best way to tell is to observe how far a crack extends from its origin at various angles; if it goes all the way outwards from its origin point, a replacement will likely be necessary.

Even if your windshield crack is not expanding rapidly, it is always wise to have a professional assess it and repair or replace it as necessary. Driving with cracked windshields in some states may also violate local law while diminishing resale value significantly.

Windshields are designed to withstand the strains associated with everyday driving. Still, if they’re made from low-grade materials or installed improperly, they may crack over time and increase your risk of an accident. Driver ed online experts advise taking your car to an expert as soon as any cracks or chips appear to protect yourself and increase its resale value in the long run.