Table of Contents
It’s common for drivers to procrastinate having their windshield damage repaired, due to fear of high costs or the inconvenience of having to take an entire afternoon to bring the car to a garage. Thankfully, many auto glass repair shops offer mobile services to make the entire process much simpler to complete. Another main reason drivers will avoid getting their glass repaired is when the cracks are small and don’t affect vision, they believe there is no danger in waiting. The truth is any form of compromised glass is at risk of shattering with impact and even during daily driving.
Cracked Windshields Can Shatter
While it is rare for a cracked windshield to fully shatter from factors like flying debris or hitting bumps, it can still result in the damage spreading into your line of sight. Most auto glass consists of several different layers, which work to trap the broken glass after minor pressure is applied. This means that if the temperature changes or you hit a large pothole, the glass may not fly in towards you but it still can cause a shattering effect that can disrupt your line of sight. In front-end impact or rollover accidents, the glass can completely break and cause injuries to you or your passengers.
How Long Can I Drive With A Cracked Windshield?
It is not recommended to ever drive a car that has a cracked windshield because your risk of serious injuries increases driving with compromised glass. The best course of action is to locate a reputable company like Gilbert Windshield Repair to provide fast mobile services. It’s never worth the risk of injuries to you or your passengers to drive with broken glass, especially in the hot Arizona temperatures. The only way to guarantee your glass is structurally intact and secure after any form of damage is to contact a licensed professional.
Will I Need A Repair or Replacement?
This can be difficult to determine without a professional assessment, though there are some signs you can look for to help prepare for the possible course of action. If your windshield has a small chip that does not seem to affect many layers of the glass, it may only need to be repaired with the professional formulas found at a licensed garage. If there is cracking in the glass or severe damage, a replacement may be the most cost-efficient method to fix the damages. The best way to determine what your windshield will need to get you back on the road is to contact a local auto glass shop for an estimate.
Avoid Roads With Gravel or Debris
If there is cracking on your windshield, it is at an increased risk of shattering with increased pressure or fluctuating temperatures. This means that driving on areas like gravel roads or severely bumpy terrain can cause the compromised glass to shatter, meaning the damage can spread and affect your ability to see the road. This is why it is not recommended to drive a car that has any form of cracking to the glass, as it is extremely hard to avoid every single factor that can increase damage.
Hot Temperatures May Pose An Issue
In areas like Gilbert, Arizona, the incredibly hot summer temperatures can pose a large threat to glass that is compromised with cracks or chips. When the temperature changes or humidity levels fluctuate, it can cause the glass to slightly expand or contract due to these changes. This may not seem like a big issue but it can be if there are cracked areas in the material. These small fluctuations can cause the damage to spread fast and often without warning. This can be very dangerous if you are driving when this happens, as it can lead to a serious accident.
What Can Happen If My Windshield Shatters?
Your windshield can shatter if you are in a front-end impact or rollover crash due to the loss of structural integrity the damaged glass can cause. This means that during the crash, your windshield can shatter and cause your roof to collapse, which may trap you and your occupants in the car. A roof collapse can also lead to serious injuries or even fatal situations if the accident is severe. Safety is the number one concern while on the road, which is why it’s important to schedule repairs as soon as possible and to keep the vehicle parked until the glass is set and recalibrated.
Always Contact A Licensed Professional
If you are local to the Gilbert, Arizona area, it’s recommended to reach out to Gilbert Windshield Repair to schedule any glass repairs. The company offers quality and affordable services to all clients and strives to make the appointment scheduling process as simple as possible. A professional company will also be able to assist you with concerns about the final cost and your specific insurance coverages.