Why You Need To Get Your Windshield Repaired Soon
Posted on: 21 June 2018
If you've noticed a crack or ding in your automobile windshield, you may not be too worried unless it starts to spread. However, even a small crack or a ding in a windshield could be a serious safety hazard, especially if it is located in your line of vision. If you haven't scheduled a repair for your windshield yet, check out these four reasons you need to get it repaired as soon as possible.
It May Be Against the Law to Have a Cracked Windshield
In some states, it may actually be illegal to drive with a crack or ding in your windshield. Regardless of size, if the crack or ding is in the "viewing area" of the windshield, you may get a ticket. The viewing area is usually considered to be anyplace the windshield wipers touch. This is the area you use the most to see through the windshield.
The reason it may be illegal to have a crack or ding in the viewing area is because it can increase your risk of causing an accident. Anytime something obscures your vision while driving, you have a greater chance of hitting a pedestrian, animal, sign, or another car. Typically, if the crack or ding is outside of the viewing area, you probably aren't breaking the law.
A Ding or Crack Will Decrease the Structural Strength of the Window
It's not just your vision that can be affected from a damaged windshield. A ding or crack (regardless of location) can affect the overall strength of your windshield. Car windshields aren't made from normal glass like regular windows in your house. They are made from tempered glass to be stronger. The tempered glass is further strengthened with a layer of resin. This resin adds strength, but it also holds the windshield together if it cracks. Therefore, glass doesn't fly inside the car and cause lacerations.
A car windshield also adds structural strength to the entire automobile. If the car flips and rolls, the windshield helps prevent the roof from collapsing or crushing, causing major injuries or death. However, because cracks and dings affect the strength of the windshield, you are more at risk of the car being crushed in a severe accident.
Smaller Cracks and Dings Can Be Repaired Without Replacement
Replacing your windshield costs about $100 to $400, which is why many people avoid replacing their windshield. True, auto insurance usually pays for windshield replacement and repair, but you'll have to pay your auto insurance deductible first, which is often around (or a little more) than the cost of a total windshield replacement. In some states, however, insurance carriers are required to waive the deductible for a damaged windshield.
If you do need to get your windshield fixed, and your insurance carrier won't pay for it, see if you qualify for a repair instead of a replacement. For smaller cracks and dings, a technician can repair the area by melting the glass and resin and then allowing it to harden again. The repair may leave the windshield a little blurry in that area, so a repair may not be good if the damage is directly in your line of vision.
Mobile Options Are Available
Another major reason people avoid getting a new windshield is because it takes time. With work and home life, you may not have the time to squeeze in a windshield repair, especially if it hasn't affected your line of vision and the damage is small. Luckily, mobile repair and replacement options are available.
When speaking with auto glass repair shops, ask if they have mobile repair. If they do, you can typically have the windshield fixed on your schedule. You can have them meet you at home or even another location if you have an important event you can't miss.
If your vehicle's windshield is cracked or dinged, don't let it go uncorrected a moment longer. Damage to the windshield may be illegal, and it decreases the structural integrity of the window and car. For more information or if you need your windshield repaired/replaced, contact a company like Lloyd’s of Shelton Auto Glass LLC.
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