Why You Need to “Fix” that Windshield Crack Immediately (Pun intended!)
August 20th, 2015 by Eli P
It’s only a small chip in the windshield. Nothing to worry about, right?
Actually, it is. According to auto repair experts, more than just an unsightly blemish, a chipped or cracked windshield can put you and other drivers on the road at risk. And the longer you wait to repair it, the worse it can get.
Windshield chips or cracks should always be repaired as soon as possible. Here’s why…
Safety. A windshield chip can turn into a crack at any time, especially while driving. A crack can impair the driver’s vision and compromise the structural integrity of your car. During a crash or rollover accident, the windshield supports the roof of the car and helps the airbags deploy. A structurally weakened windshield could pop out during a collision or cause the roof to collapse, making the accident much worse.
Time and money. It costs a lot more to replace an entire windshield than it does to repair a small chip or crack, and fixing a small crack as soon as it appears could save you a lot of money down the road. Windshield crack repairs can sometimes be completed in as little as 30 minutes, as opposed to several hours for a full replacement.
Appearance. Let’s face it, no matter how small, a windshield chip or crack creates an unsightly blemish on your car. It also sends a message to other drivers that you don’t care about the appearance or safety of your automobile.
Resale value. If you’re looking to sell or trade in your car, even one nick on the windshield can significantly lower the value of the car.
A do-it-yourself windshield repair kit may look like a good way to save a few bucks. But, most DIY repairs won’t last as long as a professional job, which can lead to further cracking in the windshield. DIY kits also don’t provide a warranty. So if something does go wrong, you’re stuck with having to invest more time and expense to fix a problem you thought was already solved.
