Windshield cracks are unavoidable. In fact, cracks cause around 15 million people in the U.S. to replace their windshields every year.
And little can be done to prevent it. However, if you have a small crack in your windshield and are putting off a repair, you might wonder if driving with a cracked windshield is a big deal.
Well, put it in park because it is. Cracked windshields are dangerous.
We’re here to patch up the misperceptions surrounding windshield cracks. Here are five reasons why you should hit the brakes if you have a cracked windshield.
1) Driving with a Cracked Windshield Can Cause a Crash
Car wrecks result in millions of injuries and deaths each year. And accidents are on the rise.
Windshield cracks add one more danger to the roadway. Cracks contribute to costly crashes by impairing visibility. They can distort the driver’s vision or create dangerous blind spots.
And if an accident does happen, having a cracked windshield makes things even worse.
2) Cracked Windshields Can Hinder Airbags
Airbags are an important safety feature during a crash. They spread out the impact on a person’s body and cushion the blow.
A cracked windshield can cause airbags to deploy in the wrong way. Since airbags rely on the windshield, flimsy glass could cause the airbag to spit out of the frame instead of towards the passenger or driver.
And the airbag isn’t the only part of the vehicle that relies on a solid windshield.
3) Cracked Windshields Can Weaken Roof Support
The windshield is more than just a window to the road. It also reinforces the vehicle’s roof. Cracks make the windshield vulnerable to wider breaks and complete collapse.
As the windshield goes, so does the sturdy support for a vehicle’s roof. But immediate safety isn’t the only reason to accelerate windshield repairs.
4) Cracked Windshields Can Be Illegal
Driving with a cracked windshield might not just be dangerous. In many cases, it’s against the law.
Specific laws depend on the state, but officials in some areas will hit drivers with a pricey ticket for cracked windshields. This all usually depends on how bad the crack is and where it shows up on the windshield.
And there are other reasons windshield repair actually can save drivers money.
5) Cracked Windshields Have Cost-Effective Solutions
Even tiny chips can quickly lead to a destroyed windshield. Especially during changing seasons, water can get into the smallest nicks, freeze, and spread into sweeping cracks.
It’s worth it to get cracks fixed right away.
And the cost of repairs is relatively low. When you consider the massive alternative prices of wrecks, injuries, or fines, fixing cracks can be a smart investment.
Plus, a lot of insurance plans cover windshield fixes and replacements. It’s worth hooking up with an auto glass guru to get an idea of what the cost will be for your specific vehicle.
What Road Should You Take?
Cracked windshields aren’t always at the top of the fix-it list. But anyone who wants to be safe and save money should turn windshields into a top priority.
The downside is clear.
Wise drivers should think twice before driving with a cracked windshield.
Have other questions about repairs? Check out our blog for fix-it tips and more auto knowledge.
