replacing broken glass in your window

Risks Of Driving With Chipped Glass On Your Vehicle

16 April 2015

Britney Simpson

Driving down a dirt road or behind a rock truck can put your vehicle at risk for a crack or chip. Dealing with a chipped windshield is often more of a nuisance than anything else. But did you know there are some risks and dangers when driving around with a chipped windshield or other piece of broken glass on your car? Here are some things that could pose a problem or turn into a serious issue the longer you let the chip go.

Risk For Fracture

A couple of small chips on your windshield could quickly lead to a major crack if they are located near the edge of the glass. This could also cause a spider-web crack that could spread rapidly without notice. Depending on the size of the chip, if it is larger than an inch in diameter, it could crack at any time. Because your windshield is one of the main components of your vehicle, it's important to not wait to get it fixed. Small chips can easily spread and if they are affected by movement or force, in some cases, your entire windshield may crack or fracture, making your vehicle impossible to drive.

Limited Visibility

Any type of chips in your windshield or on any window in your car can make it very challenging to see. This type of limited visibility can put you at high risk for an accident or losing control of your vehicle should it go off the road. Because a crack in your windshield can happen at any time, it's important to get small chips fixed as soon as possible. In some cases, an auto glass repair technician will come straight to you. If the damage is not severe, the technician will be able to permanently repair the chips or small cracks so you can get back on the road right away.

Temperature Control Issue

A cracked windshield can be concerning if you drive it during cooler outdoor temperatures. Frost buildup or extreme cold can cause a chip to turn into a crack or line across your windshield. This is because there is a break within the glass. This further creates a weak point when it suddenly goes from below freezing to the rising temperatures within your car as you turn up the heat and defrost. With a cracked windshield, your vehicle's glass is also more susceptible to fogging up. It's harder for the windshield to defrost when cold air is seeping in through the cracks or chips. This poses a significant visual hazard when driving.

Traffic Violation

One risk of driving with a chipped or damaged windshield is that you could get pulled over by law enforcement. While many states give you a designated period of time to fix the cracked windshield, if it's severely limiting your view, you will have to pay a fine in addition to fixing the ticket.

In many cases, your auto insurance will cover most or all of a windshield repair bill, so don't hesitate to inquire. Calling an experienced glass repair specialist like FB Glass will help to restore your windshield and make your car safe to operate again.

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