You woke up this morning, went to your car in the garage to go to work, and discovered that your windshield cracked for no reason. A minor windshield chip or crack can expand over time, especially during extreme. The degree of danger posed by your cracked windshield can vary, depending on specific factors, but you should always plan to replace a chipped or cracked windshield. If you get into a rollover accident, the roof is more likely to cave in if the windshield is cracked, increasing the chances of a serious injury or fatality.
Cracked windshields can be dangerous young drivers blog. Windshield cracks become dangerous once theyre large enough to interfere with your fieldofvision, and in many states, you can be ticketed if a cop deems your cracked windshield to be unsafe. When windshield repair first came out, i saw a demonstration where holes were drilled along an even longer crack, only part way through the glass, resin injected into them, and the crack disappeared. What to know about windshield repair in winter anthony volk. Its easy to ignore what seems like an insignificant cosmetic issue, and you might think that getting a ticket is the worst possible consequence of driving with a cracked windshield. Repairing the auto glass will also ensure that you keep your original factoryinstalled glass. Driving with a cracked or obstructed windshield may be dangerous, and it may also leave you liable to receive an expensive ticket.
A windshield crack is different than a chip which can often be repaired. Either way, its important to get the crack taken care of as soon as possible. Apr 12, 2012 dangers of driving with a cracked windshield many drivers are familiar with the frustration of a chipped or cracked windshield. Jan 19, 2017 a trained technician will be able to determine that.
Mar 21, 2020 a windshield crack or chip, on the contrary, is weak and incapable of supporting the vehicles structure. Even so, the answer to how dangerous a particular cracked windshield is actually will vary depending on a number of factors, including where the crack starts, whether its on the driver side or the passenger side, and how large the crack or chip happens to be. Crack chip a single crack that can be covered with a quarter with an impact point. Reasons why windshield cracks are dangerous for children march 21, 2020. In other words, if you have a small chip or a crack that is not in a dangerous. May 31, 2017 can you drive with a cracked windshield. Astro auto glass provides exceptional windshield crack repair in albuquerque, nm that is backed by a lifetime warranty. In such a case, a weathered crack or chip can minimize or even eliminate the safety feature of the windshield, creating a dangerous situation, even in a minor collision. And while it is nearly impossible to completely avoid getting your windshield. However, in some situations, a cracked windshield is dangerous and should be taken care of immediately. A cracked windshield can be a major nuisance or a minor annoyance for a driver. Spring in west chester, pennsylvania means unpredictable weather and severe storms. Dangers of driving with a cracked windshield glass america.
A little ding may not seem like a big deallike grinding brakes or steam issuing from the enginebut a cracked windshield is actually quite dangerous. Driving with a cracked windshield is dangerous and it could cost you your life and your car. Here we answer the question can your windshield crack from cold. The windshield crack on the boeing 787 might not be a concern to you, but the windshield crack on your car is.
Cracked windshields are dangerous the minute they become cracked. One of the most important considerations is the size of the crack or chip. Besides the safety risk, you can also get a traffic ticket for driving with a cracked windshield. Has a cracked windshield ever completely shattered while. Aug 22, 2018 the reason why your car is equipped with a windshield is to block wind, rain, sleet, and snow while enhancing your visibility.
Cracks, until they hit the edge, always grow as pressure and temperature causes slight movement in the windshield. It was ok for a while until he backed into a tree and the windshield instantly started cracking in many directions. The same thing applies if the crack is longer than 12 inches or if the star is larger in diameter than about an inch. Though some of us get the problem fixed right away, others continue continue reading this is how long you can drive with a. It can travel across the windshield, or it can curve and twist toward the edge. You want to ensure the safety of you and those riding in your vehicle, and the windshield is an integral part of that safety system. Oct 05, 2018 windshield cracks become dangerous once theyre large enough to interfere with your fieldofvision, and in many states, you can be ticketed if a cop deems your cracked windshield to be unsafe. Is it against the law to have a cracked windshield. Its generally not dangerous to drive with a small crack in the windshield, but damaged glass should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Reasons why windshield cracks are dangerous for children. Aug 31, 2016 driving with a cracked or obstructed windshield may be dangerous, and it may also leave you liable to receive an expensive ticket. Even so, the answer to how dangerous a particular cracked windshield is actually will vary depending on a number of factors, including where the crack starts, whether its on the driver side or the passenger side, and how large the crack.
The guide to cracked windshield laws in all states. You dont want to become part of the scary statistics of fatal or injurycausing crashes, do you. Driving around with a cracked windshield is never a good idea be it for a long, or even short, period of time. In other words, if you have a small chip or a crack that is not in a dangerous area, you can drive the vehicle without needing repairs. Windshields cannot have cracks or chips larger than one inch long if the crack or chip is in the area six inches from the top, bottom, or either side of the windshield. Sep 14, 2016 if the crack is in front of the drivers seat, its even more imperative that you get it fixed or have the windshield replaced right away. Moisture and dirt invading the cracked glass can also cause it to spread. And, most states make it illegal to drive a car with a cracked windshield. Specifically, if the crack is located directly in your field of vision and is blocking the view of the road ahead, then its not something you can put off repairing.
You will want to have the windshield replaced entirely. Even the most careful drivers can experience a windshield crack and they are almost impossible to avoid altogether. When driving down the highway, it is common to be struck by a small rock or other piece of debris that can chip or crack your windshield. The only time a cracked windshield is actually very dangerous is when the crack obscures your view of the road or objects innear the. If you have a cracked windshield, you probably know that it needs attention. While you may think that the crack is merely a minor cosmetic issue, it can cause many more issues than you realize. A crack on your windshield can be a nuisance to take care of, but knowing when to pull over and consult an expert could save you from more trouble down the road. Your windshield is there to block wind, rain, sleet and snow while providing you with visibility. Getting a crack in your windshield can sour just about any day. Mar 14, 2018 if the crack is long and more spread out, chances are good that your state actually has laws in place against driving in this circumstance. You may have heard it called safety glass, as its construction prevents the glass from breaking into more dangerous shards. At times, these cracks may appear out of nowhere, even after the driver notices no signs of distress. How dangerous is it to drive with a cracked windshield. However, if the crack is small and insignificant, then driving with a cracked windshield for a long period is not a big issue.
Is it safe to drive around with a cracked windshield. Windshield damage is a common occurrence thats usually caused by flying rocks and other airborne debris. I dont have the money to replace right now and i am just wondering exactly how comprised the integrity of my windshield is and how dangerous it is for me to be driving around with such a large crack. The bottom line driving a car with a cracked windshield is dangerous.
Its generally not dangerous to drive with a small crack in the windshield, but damaged glass should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible for two important. Were guessing youre wondering not only can a car window crack from freezing cold weather, but also how does the more. Driving with a cracked windshield is not only dangerous, it is also usually illegal. When a crack happens it is best to start seeking out a reputable auto glass company sooner rather than later. Although windshield damage can result from a variety of causes, by far the most common is flying rocks or other debris cast off from the loads of commercial trucks. If the chip or crack can be covered by a dollar bill, safelite auto glass says its typically safe to repair. Stress cracks typically start from the edge of the windshield, and they can quickly become quite large. Even dirt entering the crack can create enough stress over time to cause significant damage. Nov 16, 2018 thats why its more of a question of how dangerous driving with a crack on your windshield is. Windshield stone chip repair hamilton 2898061726 youtube.
Windshield cracks become dangerous once theyre large enough to. Driving with a cracked windshield is dangerous, period. As a result, the edges of the windshield are also the weakest and most prone to fractures. This makes the cars roof dependent on the windshield to stand tall and strong highly susceptible to crushing over your child in the event of a rollover accident. Apr 23, 2018 whether damaged by an accident, rock, hail or something else, a broken windshield is a serious issue and may render a car unsafe to drive. However, its made of glass, and glass is inherently fragile even todays tempered safety glass.
A small crack or chip can also impair a drivers field of vision, which will only worsen if not repaired. Your windshield blocks snow, wind, rain, and sleet while offering clear visibility. My windshield cracked for no reason auto glass repair. We went on a short trip this weekend and during the trip the windshield on my 1999 suburban cracked weird crack, about 3 horizontal, then a 34 vertical crack.
These two factors combine, making most stress cracks irreparable. So, as early as now, have that damaged windshield replaced or repaired. The windshield contributes to the structural integrity of your vehicle. Call glasshopper auto glass and get professional repair for your cracked windshield. Or maybe you discovered your windshield cracked when you. In the toronto auto glass area, this is a huge misconception.
A chipped, cracked or broken windshield is more than just an inconveniencedriving with a cracked windshield is dangerous. The crack is a weak point in the glass, and it can grow as the glass flexes. Be sure to read up on your states windshield laws and rules, and if you have any windshield. The reason why your car is equipped with a windshield is to block wind, rain, sleet, and snow while enhancing your visibility. Assessing the urgency of the crack can be trickier, though. The frequent up and down of being frozen then heated, then frozen again, makes the windshield more susceptible to shattering, especially while driving. Is a cracked windshield dangerous auto body, collision. You can drive around with a small pitted spot on the windshield as long as it does not impair your vision, but a major crack can be very. Jul 19, 2012 is it safe to drive with a crack in your windshield. A cracked windshield is more dangerous than you think.
When if ever do cracked car winshields become dangerous. A greater likelihood of injury during a rollover accident an undamaged windshield adds vital structural support that can keep a cars roof from caving in if the. Dangers of driving with a cracked windshield glass. The irony of putting off repairing your windshield because of the cost is that waiting until a crack grows to eleven inches or longer will mean full replacement, a much more expensive and timeconsuming process. In such a case, a weathered crack or chip can minimize or even eliminate the safety feature of the windshield, creating a dangerous situation. However, since it is made of glass, its inherently fragile nature makes it prone to damage and breakage. Its important to get your windshield repaired or replaced by experienced professionals. A cracked windshield makes accidents more dangerous. Is it safe to drive with a crack in your windshield. If your windshield can be repaired, do it immediately. Having a small chip in your windshield that does not interfere with your ability to see the road may seem like a minor issue to you. For more information on cracked windshield safety, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local napa auto parts store. In most states its illegal to drive with a cracked windshield because they could shatter at any time and.
Driving with a cracked windshield frequently seems more inconvenient and frustrating than dangerous. Since you have not mentioned whether it is the front windshield that youre talking about or the rear one, i will answer this for both windshields. A single rock is all it takes to chip or crack that windshield. Jan 28, 20 i know that auto insurance companies replace windshields for low or no cost because it is cheaper than paying after the windshield pays. Thats not to say the windshield was safe again, and passenger side airbags require an intact and strong windshield to protect the passenger.
Another client, jeff, had a small crack in the corner of his windshield. The first has to do with the position of the crack itself. Think driving with a cracked windshield poses no danger. Be sure to read up on your states windshield laws and rules, and if you have any windshield issues that require inspection, make sure to reach out to a reputable mechanic, such as the ones here at yourmechanic. There are easy ways to stop the crack from spreading and getting worse. Cracks in windshields compromise a vehicles structural stability. A small chip can spread across the windshield if you hit a big pothole, drive on a bumpy road or make an aggressive turn, says. Is it dangerous to drive with a cracked windshield. How to stop a windshield crack from spreading glass doctor. Windshield cracks are a pain, but they can also become a major safety hazard. When is it most likely to happen takeoff, cruising altitude or landing, and what can be done about it.
My brotherinlaw drives around with a cracked windshield and ive told him repeatedly he should get it fixed. How to fix and stop a long windshield crack from spreading. Additionally, there are several hidden reasons why driving around with a cracked windshield simply isnt wise. Whatever the case may be, car experts and police officers agree that its dangerous to continue to drive an automobile with a cracked windshield. He didnt think he needed to be concerned about it because it was not in his line of sight while driving. However, the bigger the crack is, the more serious the safety consequences are.
Jun 26, 2017 there are two main indicators that its no longer safe to drive with your cracked windshield. The good news is that smaller chips and cracks can usually be repaired by a professional for a reasonable fee, according to edmunds. You want to ensure the safety of you and those riding in your vehicle, and the windshield. This is how long you can drive with a cracked windshield. Windshield cracks are a pain, but they can also become a major safety. Once the temperature changes or a flying object strikes the crack, your windshield could shatter. There are many forms of windshield damage though youll most often hear chip or crack. This post will show you how to stop a windshield crack from spreading, and what to do next. The long answer and the where, what, when, how, why can a car window crack from freezing cold weather. Typically, these cracks are small and seem relatively harmless. Find out why a cracked windshield can threaten your safety on the road from glasshopper here. Hail poses a particular danger for car owners as it can shatter windshields, backlites and other windows. Oct 14, 2015 a cracked windshield can be a major nuisance or a minor annoyance for a driver.
Like worse still is a job done wrong can be potentially dangerous. When it comes to auto glass chips and cracks, people often undermine the amount of harm and danger they can cause. A crack, on the other hand, is a little more dangerous. The windshield isnt going to implode on you and your vision out the window isnt obscured. It ruins the look of your vehicle, blocks your view for driving, and can quickly spread. Dec 05, 2015 windshield stone chip repair hamilton 2898061726. The crack can start from a chip and radiate outward.
Whatever the case may be, car experts and police officers. Nov 26, 2019 when a windshield crack is 612 inches long, repair is a possibility and its wise to repair it promptly. Jan 04, 2020 the windshield crack on the boeing 787 might not be a concern to you, but the windshield crack on your car is. If the crack is large long, then chances are good that your state actually has laws against driving in this situation. A chip is a general term that refers to small damage on a windshield, whereas a crack of damage is a distinct line that runs across the windshield. When to repair a damaged windshield the allstate blog. Dec 20, 2018 windshields cannot have cracks or chips larger than one inch long if the crack or chip is in the area six inches from the top, bottom, or either side of the windshield. However, a cracked windshield is not only disruptive but also dangerous depending on the nature of the damage.
173 302 874 1397 1114 954 1270 894 305 1112 753 497 1145 91 814 1098 1561 1052 1200 677 1466 370 759 921 1399 283 834 721 263 605 1286 1295 1075 860 277 1381