What Makes a Cracked Windshield Dangerous?

Your car’s windshield is much more than a simple piece of glass; it is a part of your vehicle that protects you and your passengers. However, windshield damage is common and can happen due to several factors.  

You might not think much of a small damage in your windshield, but driving with a chipped or cracked windshield can be unsafe. Tiny damages can quickly spread, affecting your visibility, weakening the windshield, and causing serious harm. 

Though you might wish to delay windshield repair and replacement, operating a vehicle with damaged glass is not recommended.  

Here are some reasons:

Impact on Driver Visibility

The most immediate effect of a cracked windshield is that it impedes the driver’s visibility. Even small cracks can distort the clear view of the road and might lead to accidents.

When light from oncoming traffic falls on the damaged windshield, it can cause a momentary blinding glare. This can easily lead to accidents.

Additionally, a cracked windshield can create distracting reflections or distortions, making it harder for the driver to spot important road signs, pedestrians, or other vehicles. Even minor cracks or chips, if located in the driver’s direct line of sight, can significantly hinder the ability to react quickly to potential hazards.

Compromise to the Structural Integrity of the Vehicle

Your windshield is crucial to the vehicle’s structural integrity. It keeps the roof from caving in and keeps passengers inside the car in the event of a collision. However, in a damaged windshield, this functionality is severely impaired, increasing injury risks. So, make sure to address any windshield damage promptly.

Increased Risk of Further Damage

A damaged windshield is also more susceptible to shattering from a collision, sudden braking, or a rough road. Pieces of shattering glass can inflict severe injury. Additionally, a cracked windshield may weaken over time for many reasons, leading to a costly auto glass repair or replacement.

Legal and Financial Implications 

In some areas, a cracked windshield may be considered a safety violation, resulting in a mandatory repair order from law enforcement. Furthermore, if the damage is severe and causes an accident, you could be held financially responsible for repairs, medical expenses, or even legal claims, leading to significant financial burdens.

How to Address a Cracked Windshield?

If your windshield is damaged, it’s crucial to act quickly. You may wonder whether you need a repair or a full replacement. The answer depends on the size, location of the damage, and type of glass.

Windshield repair is possible if:

• Glass is laminated
• The crack is smaller than a dollar bill (6 inches)
• The crack is not in line with the driver’s vision and has not spread to the windshield edges. 

But imagine a situation when you don’t have the time immediately for a professional windshield repair.

Here are some DIY techniques to prevent the damage from spreading and a complete windshield replacement:

Windshield Repair Kit

Using a readily available windshield repair kit is the most effective option.

• Use the syringe and pedestal given as part of the kit to fill the crack with the epoxy resin provided. Allow it to cure for best results. 

Superglue 

• Superglue is a great temporary fix to hold the crack together.
• Clean the surface of the crack and spread a layer of superglue glue on the crack to seal it.

Clear Nail Polish

• Clean the glass, then apply a generous amount of clear polish to the cracked windshield area to repair it.

However, remember that there is no substitute for a professional car window repair & replacement. Get your windshield assessed by auto glass experts who will suggest the best method to fix it. 

If they feel that the windshield is completely damaged, make sure to go in for an emergency auto glass repair & replacement to prevent driving hazards and accidents.  

Conclusion

You may feel that a cracked windshield is a minor nuisance that you can overlook. However, the truth is that a cracked windshield is more than a mere eyesore on your vehicle; it is a potential safety hazard to you and your passengers. 

If you are searching for quality and affordable auto glass services in Florida, NuVision Auto Glass is your best bet. We employ trained technicians who use advanced technologies for windshield repair and replacement. We also offer superior ADAS calibration services after auto glass replacement or repair. 

Contact us to learn more about our services!

FAQs

1. At what point is a cracked windshield dangerous?

A cracked windshield is dangerous if it hinders the driver’s vision, is a few inches long, spreads and affects the windshield edges, or affects the car’s structural integrity. 

2. Is it safe to drive a car with a cracked windshield?

You can continue to drive with a damaged windshield temporarily if the damage is small and not in your line of sight. However, you must get an emergency auto glass repair & replacement for large cracks. 

3. How likely is a cracked windshield to shatter?

Laminated windshields do not shatter and spread glass shards easily. However, cracks can worsen due to temperature changes, road vibrations, or collision impact, and the glass can shatter if it compromises its integrity.

4. What not to do with a cracked windshield?

Try not to ignore a cracked windshield, apply heat or pressure to the damage, or favor DIY repairs. Instead, seek professional windshield repair and replacement.