Windshield Care Tips and What to Do if Your Windshield Breaks
You are driving along to work, listening to those cool tunes, and Wham, it struck… almost like a meteorite, but it wasn’t, just a small pebble.
Problem is, it caused this crack in your windshield…and whether large or small, you need to pay attention and fix a chip, crack or windshield break almost immediately. Driving around with a cracked windshield is unsafe and in most states illegal.
Unfortunately, chips and cracks are a part of owning a vehicle, and they can happen to anyone. But more often than not, drivers often ignore these cracks and chips because they seem minor. Even so, driving around with them can put your safety at risk, even more so if the windshield crack is large or when it breaks out completely. The windshield is part of the vehicles structure, and when it chips, cracks or breaks, it debilitates the structural strength of the vehicle, making it more vulnerable in the case of an accident.
Is It That Big of a Deal?
Auto glass companies and law enforcement agencies both confirm that a cracked windshield is dangerous. The windshield is a part of the structure of a vehicle and causes the structure to be less safe in the case of an accident. Besides, most states enforce windshield safety laws.
The Law
There are safety laws regarding cracked or broken windshields. These laws vary by state, but most states implement a cracked or broken windshield law as one of the most important rules of the road. Drivers cannot drive vehicles without windshields, and many states enforce laws against cracked windshields. The reason is simple. The windshield offers a clear and safe view for the driver. Cracks, chips and brakes impair that view, so ultimately repairing or replacing the windshield can prevent your getting an expensive fine.
What to Do
When you notice a chip, or worse, a crack, call your insurance provider. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover the cost of stone chip repairs. But even if your insurance company does not cover the cost, take it into an auto glass repair shop to get it repaired or replaced. The cost of a glass chip repair is substantially less than the cost of replacement.
If your windshield suddenly breaks while you are driving, follow these steps.
- Get to a safe place to stop.
- Wear gloves before brushing the glass out of the car.
Dispose of the glass in a way that is safe and label the container. - Vacuum up small pieces.
- Notify your insurance provider
- Call a qualified windshield replacement company to replace the windshield
These are immediate steps to take when you notice a stone chip, crack or break in the windshield:
- Call a qualified windshield replacement company. Most of these companies also specialize in chip repair.
- Get an estimate of the repair service from a windshield repair provider.
- If the cost is above your insurance deductible, call your insurance provider to see if the fix falls under coverage.
- Expect the auto glass repair company to take a few hours or even up to a full day to repair the chip.
- Plan the repair work for a day you have off from work or select an windshield repair company that is close to work so you can drop off early and pick up your car after work.
Bottom Line
Protect your car for as long as you can. When something as minor as a chip or crack in the windshield comes along, fix it. You are not overreacting. This tiny problem can quickly develop into a full windshield break.