What Should You Do If Your Windshield Cracks?

Our vehicles play a crucial role in our lives, from helping us get to work and run various errands to driving our kids to school and traveling. That is why we have to take good care of them by doing regular check-ups and maintenance. While being without your car for a couple of days might cause chaos in your routine, having an unreliable car is a much bigger problem and you definitely do not want to put your family’s safety at risk. Windshield cracks are one of those issues that could cause an accident and we are here to tell you what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

The importance of the windshield

A functional windshield is vital for keeping you and other passengers safe in case an accident occurs because it directs the force of the collision into the chassis. It also offers protection from the elements, debris and all sorts of airborne materials. Moreover, it is crucial that your visibility is intact to stay safe on the road. A damaged windshield is a common reason why plenty of countries fail a car during a safety inspection.

What can damage your windshield?

Sometimes, the cause of the damage on your windscreen is obvious, such as a stray baseball or golf ball. You might even notice a chip straightaway if you happen to drive by some construction site. Passing cars could inadvertently churn up gravel or some debris in your direction. Moreover, the weather is a big factor to consider as well. Hale is the obvious culprit but high winds can result in various things like tree branches and litter hitting your car. Extreme temperatures cause the glass to expand and contract, which is, in addition to rapid pressure changes, another reason why windshields crack. Moreover, opting for high-quality glass and getting experienced technicians to install it is bound to extend its lifetime.

Assess the damage

In case you think a little chip or crack is not a big deal, you are gravely mistaken. The smallest of chips can have a huge impact on your car if not dealt with in time as it can spread or shatter. In order to know how to proceed in this situation, you need to know the state of your windshield. There are several factors that you should take into consideration, as they can help you realize whether you need to replace your entire windshield or if there is a quick fix.

How big is the damage?

You should know that there are different kinds of damage and their size plays a big role in the possibility of the windshield being repaired. For example, repairing chips that are as big as a quarter is no problem. When it comes to cracks, the upper limit is around 18 inches. So, if the crack in your windshield is the result of the wild temperatures in Australia, turn to experts in car glass repair in Sydney and you will be back on the road in a few hours. Any bigger damage will probably need replacing.

The number of chips and cracks also affects this decision. If there are more than three chips, the chances are bigger than the windscreen will shatter.

Furthermore, you should also check the depth of the crack. In case the crack is on both sides of the glass panel, you immediately need to replace it. There are three layers in the windshield, and if the middle one gets damaged, repairs are quite difficult.

What is the location of the damage?

Another one of the factors that determine whether a windscreen can be repaired is the location of the damage. If the crack is in your field of vision, chances are that you will have to replace the entire thing. The same goes if the crack is near the edge of the glass. Do not risk your safety by avoiding this obligation, and give a repair service a visit.

Look into DIY options

While turning to professionals is definitely recommended, there are some things you can do yourself. Smaller chips and cracks could be fixed using windshield repair kits which include instruction and tools you need.

Prevention is crucial

However, once you fix the windshield, you cannot forget about the above-mentioned extreme temperatures and hail. Try to keep your car in a garage if you have one, to avoid this happening again. On the other hand, even if you don’t have a garage, there are still things you can do.

As you can see, a damaged windshield is no laughing matter. In case you notice a chip or crack, make sure to examine it and assess the damage. After that, you can decide whether you are up to the task of fixing it on your own or if you should rely on professional help. Don’t wait and deal with this issue as soon as possible.