Does Your Cracked Windshield Need Repair?
Windshield cracks might seem harmless, but a crack on a vehicle's windshield is more than an aesthetic issue. If cracked severely enough, the glass itself can become compromised or weakened and shatter completely. In this case, auto insurance companies will most likely deem the car as a total loss.
Every year, countless drivers end up in auto accidents caused by conditions like bad weather and debris on the road that might not be visible to other drivers. A cracked windshield often distorts the driver's field of vision and can make it difficult to see obstacles right in front of them. Cracks and chips can also turn into fractures and leave small pieces loose at the edge of the glass, meaning anything from a small pebble or rock could cause them to break completely.
When a driver has a crack or chip on their windshield, it's important to understand the first steps they should take. First and foremost, drivers should avoid trying to drive with cracks near the edge of their windscreens as this increases the chance of immediate injury from pieces of debris flying through the air upon breaking. They should pull over immediately if there is any sign that they or other passengers could be at risk of being hit by broken glass. Once they've safely pulled over, drivers can determine whether or not their windshield needs repair - especially if there are several cracks in close proximity - before moving on to seek help from a professional auto glass service technician.
If a car's windshield has multiple cracks or chips but isn't so compromised that it can't be driven, there are some steps drivers can take to try to prevent the cracks from growing. Drivers should first toss away any loose objects in their vehicle's front seat area since these could fall on the glass and cause it to crack further. They should then proceed to drive as slowly as possible on rough roads or under dusty conditions so the extra strain of gravity won't simply worsen the damage further. Once they've made it home safely, drivers can keep an eye out for nearby auto glass service professionals who offer mobile windshield repair at their shops or homes. Depending on how much is wrong with their windshields, they may not need new ones replaced completely - especially if cracks are small - and they'll most likely save money by keeping their original ones.
If a windshield is severely damaged, drivers might risk driving with it until they can get it repaired. However, this becomes less safe the more time goes on, so it's important to seek help from automobile glass repair technicians as soon as possible. Many companies offer mobile windshield repair services that can come to customers' homes or places of business for convenience and speed. Drivers should always inquire about what types of warranty their service providers offer in case there are any issues later down the line.
However, if customers aren't able to get their windshields repaired within a short enough amount of time, they should be sure to carry the necessary paperwork with them when they drive in order to inform any police officers who might pull them over that they have a broken windshield. After being pulled over, drivers can then check out where their local auto glass repair shops are located and look into making an appointment for a free consultation.
A cracked windshield doesn't just mean a trip to the body shop is needed. It may also indicate a safety hazard that needs immediate fixing before it leads to more serious problems.
Lastly, drivers living in weather-prone areas should always have an emergency kit with them that includes equipment such as a bright flashlight, rain ponchos, and extra windshield wiper fluid. In addition to being prepared for the next unexpected storm, drivers can also watch the forecast closely so they know when it might be safe for them to drive again.
In short, a cracked or chipped windshield means a car is no longer roadworthy - much like any other type of damage that interrupts a driver's line of vision - and calling a mobile auto glass service provider is necessary before continuing on with one's day. Driving becomes much more dangerous if drivers ignore safety concerns about their cracked windshields because broken glass causes very real dangers that can prove deadly. If a car's windshield has been compromised, it's important to try and drive as carefully as possible until a repair can be made.
Fish Hawk, FL