A small crack out of the direct line of vision on your windshield might not be a problem initially. When this becomes a spreading windshield crack, it can cause a host of hazards that put both you, the driver, and others on the road at risk. At Heritage Collision, we can repair your windshield cracks or give you advice on replacements to help keep you safe on the road.
Causes Of Windshield Cracks And Chips
Whether you drive on the road daily or keep your car parked in a lot, exposure to other drivers and even the elements put your vehicle at risk for cracked windows and chips in the windshield. Typically, windshield cracks are caused by dirt and debris thrown from other vehicles onto your windshield when you are driving.
Why Are Chips And Cracks Dangerous?
The biggest danger of chips and cracks is that that obstruct the driver’s view of the road. Even if you leave a small spider-like crack alone, it can expand and worsen and make it difficult for the driver to see the road and oncoming traffic.
The main purpose of a windshield is to keep passengers and the driver safe from debris thrown from the road, and it can help keep you and your passengers inside the vehicle safe in the event of an accident. Whether it’s a small crack or a large chip, this damage can affect the way the windshield functions in an accident, which can leave both you the driver and your passengers at risk for injury.
If you’re ever involved in a rollover accident, the windshield adds additional structural support to the front of the vehicle. This can help prevent your car’s roof from caving in. Vehicles with cracked windshields can shatter and injure the occupants of the vehicle, so it’s a good idea to repair it when it happens.
Chips and cracks in your windshield can also affect the integrity of your airbag. In some cars, the windshield plays an important part in the deployment of the airbag system, especially on the passenger side. During a collision, the windshield provides a backstop for the proper deployment of the airbag. Also, if the windshield is cracked or broken, the force of the airbag can shatter it.
Repairing A Windshield
If you have damage to your windshield, a repair is typically the best way to go, unless the glass is beyond repair. In most cases, fixing your current windshield can save money, and it can be done in just an hour while you are at work or in your location.
A standard windshield is made of transparent glass that is glued to vinyl resin in the center. This vinyl resin keeps the glass in place and prevents the glass from shattering during a collision. During a small repair, the crack is filled with a liquid resin that dries and seals the hole to make the repair unnoticeable.
Contact Us
If you live in the Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor area and need advice on a crack or small break in your windshield, Heritage Collision can help. Our team of professionals can meet with you and provide you with an estimate. In some cases we can even repair the damage the same day in order to keep you safe on the road. Contact one of our caring staff members at 734-975-4600 in Ypsilanti or 734-327-7500 in Ann Arbor for more information.
