Reasons You Should Not Drive Around With A Cracked Windshield
The windshield on a car is extremely strong, but it is also made of glass. This glass can crack if it is struck by a rock or other object and driving around with a cracked windshield is not a good idea. If your car currently has a cracked windshield, you should get it fixed at a place like Lloyd’s of Shelton Auto Glass LLC, and here are the top reasons you should not keep driving your car if there is a crack in the windshield.
It May be Illegal
All states have laws relating to cracked windshields, and you will need to look up the laws in your state to find out if it is against the law to drive with a cracked windshield. While some states may allow this, most have rules that dictate whether or not this is an illegal act. In most cases, though, it will depend on the location of the crack and the size of the crack.
For example, it is not uncommon for it to be illegal to drive with a cracked windshield if the crack is on the driver's side of the car. It is also common for states to have guidelines relating to the size of the crack. If you are not sure what the rules are in your state, you should find out before you continue driving your car with a crack in the windshield. If the cracked windshield is against the law in your state, you could end up with a ticket.
A Crack Weakens the Windshield
The windshield is the main thing that protects you from things hitting you while you drive, but you should realize that a windshield's strength relies on the glass being in one piece and not having any cracks in it. Anytime a crack occurs on a windshield, the glass will weaken. While it is not likely that the glass will shatter while you are driving, the weakened glass can result in more injuries and harm if you are ever in a collision. A weakened windshield is easier to break, and this makes it easier for you to get injured in an accident. You should also know that if you are in an accident and the airbag goes off, there is a much greater chance that the entire windshield will break when the airbag hits it if you already have a crack in it.
A Crack Can Impair Your Vision
Another important thing to understand is that a crack in a windshield, if located in the wrong place, could make it hard for you to see while you are driving. Cracks in windshields can produce glares while driving, and they can interfere with your ability to see properly out the window while you are behind the wheel. Additionally, a crack can accumulate dirt in it, and this can also make it harder for you to see. Anytime your vision is impaired while driving, you will have a higher risk of getting into an accident.
Cracks Typically Spread
You should also realize that a small crack in a windshield might not stay small. In fact, cracks tend to spread, especially when the temperature changes. Therefore, the crack you currently have might be small enough to drive legally; however, this could change in an instant. As a crack grows, it also causes even more weakening of the glass.
There are several great ways to get a windshield fixed, but one of the best and easiest methods involves contacting a mobile windshield repair company. This type of company will come to you with all the supplies and materials needed to replace the windshield, and this makes it very convenient to get your windshield fixed.