What Should I Do About My Cracked Windshield

January 8th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA

Windshield cracks may seem like a small problem that can be fixed at a later date, but just because you can drive with a cracked windshield doesn’t mean that you should. Not getting a crack repaired can end up risking your safety, costing you more money on a later repair, or causing an unnecessary encounter with law enforcement. 

At Auto Fix USA, we understand that finding a new crack in your windshield can be very disruptive. We don’t blame you for wondering whether you can repair a cracked windshield yourself. It is tempting to consider box-store repair kit options or other ways to fix a crack in order to save time and a little money. 

However, when it comes to repairing a cracked windshield, homemade and DIY options are not really in your best interest.

 

Danger and Safety Issues

A cracked windshield comes with many unseen dangers, some of which are life-threatening. Fixing your windshield immediately reduces the chances of a bigger problem down the road.

 

Compromised Structural Integrity

If your windshield is cracked, the chances of it not doing its job in a collision are greater. If you’re in a crash, you may be more likely to suffer injuries from the broken glass with a compromised windshield. Improper airbag deployment can also be a deadly factor, as your windshield serves as the backdrop that directs the inflated airbag toward you in a collision.

The windshield can also be compromised structurally and may not perform properly in the event of a rollover accident. In a rollover, your vehicle’s roof may be more likely to collapse if the windshield doesn’t hold up to the weight it was intended to.

 

Visual Impairment

When you’re driving, your windshield is responsible for keeping your view of the road clear and unhindered. Your vehicle’s windshield blocks rain, snow, wind, sleet, and more while providing clear visibility. Even a small crack can create a blind spot where something or someone might not be clearly visible. That minor visual impairment could open you up to a bad situation.

 

Car Windshield Repair

A few minutes on the internet will show you a dozen different methods for how to fix a cracked windshield. However, while it may seem like a good idea to attempt an at-home or DIY repair, there are a lot of reasons you should take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for windshield repair. 

There are many different types of windshield cracks, and not every windshield can be safely repaired. It takes a keen eye and experience to know the difference. It also requires skill and experience to know how to repair a cracked windshield correctly.  

Cracks can spread over time, so a minor crack that could have been repaired can become more expensive if it’s not dealt with in time. A quality auto glass repair will prevent a crack from spreading and help hide the original damage without removing the original glass. Acting before the crack spreads is very important. If the crack gets too large or spreads too far, auto glass replacement may be your only option.

Your insurance may cover windshield repair. Your friendly Fix Auto USA staff can help you with your insurance claim and help you understand your coverage. If you must pay out of pocket, repairs are often inexpensive and done very quickly by an auto repair specialist. In the long run, having an expert fix your cracked windshield saves you time and money.

A Fix Auto USA service shop can assess your unique windshield crack and give you honest answers on your repair options. You can trust that our highly skilled technicians can quickly and efficiently repair or replace your windshield in the safest manner possible.

 

Factors That Determine Whether a Cracked Windshield Can Be Repaired

Your Fix Auto USA technician will assess the crack size and depth, location, and type of crack to determine whether your windshield is a good candidate for repair or if the windshield will need to be replaced.

In general, cracks with the following characteristics are often repairable:

• The crack is no more than three inches long.
• It’s shallow and only affects the topmost layer of glass.
• The crack is located outside of the driver’s main line of sight.
• The crack is not located on the edge of the windshield.
• There is only a single crack.

A crack may not be a candidate for repair if any of the following apply:

• It is very long and very deep.
• There are several cracks, especially if they’re close together.
• The crack is in the driver’s line of sight.
• The crack is polluted, stained, or has embedded dirt and debris.

 

More Information About Cracked Windshields

If you’re looking for additional information about how to deal with windshield cracks, we recommend the following content: 

• Types of Windshield Cracks
• Is It Safe to Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
• How to Prevent Windshield Cracks

 

Fix Auto USA Is Your Trusted Source for Windshield Repair 

If you notice a small crack in your windshield, don’t wait to get it repaired. Visit a Fix Auto USA location near you for a quality windshield repair you can trust!

 

This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Orangevale, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing the Sacramento area including Folsom, Fair Oaks, and Roseville.