The Importance of Repairing or Replacing Your Cracked Windshield

Your car's windshield is an important component that provides protection while driving. It is impossible to overstate how crucial it is to have an unobstructed, clear view of the road when you're behind the wheel. Unfortunately, windshields are not indestructible, and they can get damaged. A chip or crack in your car's windshield is more than just an unsightly blemish on your vehicle. It could be a significant safety concern that endangers your life and those of your passengers. In this article, we will discuss why you should repair or replace a cracked windshield as soon as possible.

A damaged windshield can affect visibility and safety

The primary purpose of a windshield is to provide visibility while driving. A crack or chip on your windshield can cause a glare that diffuses sunlight, streetlights, or headlights, making visibility difficult. Therefore, you need to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible to restore the ability to see the road clearly. It is a safety hazard to drive with limited visibility. If you're driving at night, a crack on your windshield could refract lights from other vehicles, creating temporary blindness. You need to replace your windshield if the crack is affecting your visibility.

A cracked windshield can cause the airbag to malfunction

Your windshield is also an integral part of the airbag deployment system in your vehicle. In an accident, the windshield acts as a backstop that the airbag bounces against, deploying it and protecting you from the impact. If you have a cracked windshield, it might affect the deployment system's mechanism, leading to malfunctioning airbags. So, replacing or repairing the cracked windshield is necessary to maintain the safety systems on your vehicle.

Avoid getting a ticket for driving with a defective windshield

If you are driving around with a cracked windshield, you may be subject to getting a ticket. Some states have specific laws regarding damaged windshields. If the crack or chip is in the driver's line of sight or exceeds a given size, you could be fined. You might even be required to replace the cracked windshield before you're allowed to drive your vehicle legally. So, to avoid getting a ticket, it's best to have your vehicle's windshield repaired or replaced sooner rather than later.

Resale value of your car could decrease

A cracked windshield can lower the resale value of your vehicle. A potential buyer will notice it instantly and think of it as a sign of poor maintenance or an accident history. The cost of repairing or replacing the windshield will be factored into the vehicle's total cost, which can affect a buyer's buying decision. Suppose you want to sell your car or trade it in at some point; it's best to have any damaged windshields repaired before putting it up for sale.

Repairs are cheaper than replacing the entire windshield

If the damage to your windshield is minimal, and you catch it early, repairing it might be your best bet. Repairs are cheaper and faster than replacing the entire windshield. If the damage is significant or exceeds a given size or location, replacement might be your only option. But if repairing it is feasible, it's a less expensive and faster option that can be completed within a few hours. But remember, waiting too long before getting the repair increases the chance that a full replacement will be required.

At MotorGlass, we offer free on-site inspection to help you determine which option is best for you. Whether you need to repair or replace your windshield, our technicians provide high-quality service at competitive prices.

CONCLUSION

If you have a cracked windshield, don't overlook it or assume it's not a big deal. It could be a more significant safety concern than you think. With a cracked windshield, you're putting yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road in danger. Driving with a cracked windshield also affects the airbag deployment mechanism and could lead to getting a ticket or decreasing the resale value of your car. Therefore, the best decision is to have your windshield repaired or replaced by a qualified technician as soon as possible.

MotorGlass has been servicing for over 20 years, providing a fast, cost-effective solution for all your vehicle windshield repair needs. We offer an extensive range of services from windscreen repair and replacement to stone chip repairs. Contact us today to learn more about our services or book an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.