Why You Need To Repair Or Replace Your Broken Windshield ASAP
Most of the time, you do not have any control over your windshield becoming damaged. A small stone may fall from an overpass as you are driving on the freeway, or a dirt road may kick up some gravel that hits your windshield. While a small chip in the glass may not seem like a concern, it can end up being a big problem.
Dangers of a Damaged Windshield
Windshields that are damaged, even with a small crack, are a safety concern for those inside the car. If you hit a big bump when driving, it can cause the entire windshield to crack, and potentially cause an auto accident if you cannot see where you are going.
The windshield is actually responsible for your entire vehicle's structural integrity, as it assists with airbag deployment. The airbag needs to use the windshield as a surface to contain the airbag inside the car. If the windshield is damaged, your car's airbag may not deploy, or deploy incorrectly.
Staying inside the car during an accident greatly increases your chance of survival, and you need that additional barrier to help keep you safe. A cracked windshield will weaken the surface, causing it to crack easier on impact with another vehicle, or break if you are ejected into the glass.
Small Damage Can Create Costly Repair Costs
Getting cracks repaired when they are small is crucial in keeping repair costs down. Small cracks will turn into much bigger ones, which are more expensive to fix. Keep in mind that if a crack is too big, it may require completely replacing your windshield. The replacement process can take awhile, and you'll be without a car while it is in the repair shop.
Prevent Small Cracks From Spreading Quickly
The more you delay having your windshield looked at, the more damage a crack can cause. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to prevent the crack from spreading quickly before you're able to visit a repair shop.
When the temperature is below freezing, water can get inside a crack and freeze, causing the water to expand and cause more damage. If it's supposed to snow or rain, keep your car in your garage and avoid driving it. Heat can even cause your windshield to slightly expand, which is why you should park in a shaded spot and avoid long drives under the hot sun when possible.
If you have ignored the crack and major damage has occurred, you will definitely need windshield replacement. Contact a local auto glass repair shop like A1 Auto Glass to receive an estimate for how much it will cost to have the windshield replaced.
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