3 Myths Regarding Damaged Windshields and Replacement
Posted on: 23 August 2021
Your car has many parts that help you safely drive, and one of the most important is the windshield. Not only does it protect you from debris, rain, wind, and much more, but it adds structural integrity to the car. Unfortunately, many people ignore damaged windshields, which can lead to many problems. If you would like to know more, check out these three myths.
1. Myth: Minor Damage Isn't Problematic
Windshield damage comes in many forms. Some people may have a giant crack from edge to edge, but others may only have a small ding or crack from a tiny rock. It's easy to ignore the smaller dings and cracks, assuming they aren't as problematic. However, this is far from true.
Windshields work so well because of how they are made. Not only is the glass tempered to be stronger, but a windshield uses two layers of tempered glass with a layer of laminated plastic between them. This helps prevent shattering in a collision.
However, any damage to the laminated plastic can weaken the entire windshield, and those small cracks and dings are enough to damage the plastic. It may be more likely to shatter during an accident, which can cause glass shards to break free. If someone isn't buckled at the time, a weakened windshield may not prevent a body from flying out the window.
The best part: if you spot these small damages early, you don't need to replace your entire windshield. Smaller cracks and chips can be repaired, which saves money and time. However, small dings and cracks can eventually spread thanks to expansion, contraction, and pressure. Once the damage is too big, the windshield can't be repaired and must be replaced.
2. Myth: Windshield Replacement Is Inconvenient
When your car won't work, you're probably grateful to take it to the mechanic and have it fixed. However, windshield damage doesn't prevent you from getting to work or taking your kids to school. For this reason, it may seem more inconvenient to get it fixed, especially if you have to take it to the repair shop and leave it there.
Luckily, windshield replacement is getting more and more convenient thanks to mobile windshield repair. With mobile repair, someone comes to you. Some services may insist on coming to your home, but others may agree to meet you anywhere, such as at work. This prevents you from having to adjust your schedule, making it more convenient to get the windshield fixed.
3. Myth: It Can't Hurt Anyone Else
You may not care that the risk of windshield failure increases. First, there is no guarantee that you'll get into an accident. Second, there is no guarantee the windshield will fail even if you do, and third, if it does, it only affects you, right? Wrong. A damaged windshield can actually increase your risk of causing a collision. Therefore, not only can you cause injury to someone else, but it is an injury that could have been avoided by fixing the windshield.
The reason for this is largely due to visibility. A crack or chip, especially one in the viewing area, can make it hard to clearly see what's going on. You may even miss seeing pedestrians. Plus, if someone else is in the car with you, and the windshield breaks, you could be on the hook for injuries or wrongful death. For this reason, many officers may even pull you over for a damaged windshield.
A damaged windshield can be annoying, but it may also be illegal. In the event of a collision, it may not be as durable or as effective, leading to an increased risk of injury. If you want to know more or are ready to schedule a windshield crack repair or replacement, contact a provider in your area.
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