CAN YOU DRIVE WITH A CRACKED WINDSHIELD?
You have a chip in your windshield, do you immediately call or repair or put it off? For many people, a single crack in their windshield doesn’t seem like an important repair. While your vehicle may still operate as normal, should you still be driving it?
The answer to this commonly asked question is actually quite complex. There are many factors that must be considered when determining if you can still drive your vehicle with a windshield that is cracked.
LOCAL LAWS
Many communities have laws that make it illegal to drive with a windshield that is cracked. Of course, the location and size of the damage is always considered before a local police officer issues a citation.
If you don’t know the laws, there are a few things you should ask yourself before getting behind the wheel:
- How long is the crack?
- Is the crack blocking your view?
- How many cracks are present?
Obviously, the more severe the damage, the more likely you are breaking the law by driving with a windshield that is cracked. If you get caught, you may end up paying a hefty fine.
SHAPE AND SIZE OF THE CRACK
How the damage presents itself will help determine if you should drive or not. For example, chips that are very small and star cracks may be quite benign at first. If the damage is still new, it’s not dangerous to continue driving.
It’s important to note that any change in temperature or humidity may cause the damage to grow and spread. A simple chip may turn into a large crack that requires a complete – and costly – replacement to correct. That’s why you should always schedule a repair as soon as possible.
On the other hand, if the crack is several inches long or covers most of the windshield’s surface, driving is not recommended. You may have lessened visibility, increasing your risk for causing an accident. If you do get into a fender bender, the frame of your car is also more likely to collapse.
SAVE MONEY BY REPAIRING RIGHT AWAY
If your windshield is damaged, don’t continue to drive around. At some point, the damage will get worse. The cost to fill a small crack is very minor when compared to what it costs to replace the entire glass panel. You may even be pleasantly surprised to find out your minor repair is covered by your car insurance policy.
Any glass repair expert will tell you that all chips and cracks grow over time. A sudden change in the weather or another unexpected hit by loose debris may cause the crack to widen suddenly. This happens very frequently. The best advice is to schedule repair as soon as you notice the damage.
REPAIRS ARE QUICK AND EASY
Glass repair companies make it very easy to have your windshield repaired or replaced. If you schedule mobile service, they will drive to your desired location to complete the job. Most repairs can be finished in 30-60 minutes. Once your glass has been repaired, you can feel at ease the next time you go driving down the road.