Is It Safe to Drive with a Cracked Windshield
August 8, 2017

Is It Safe to Drive with a Cracked Windshield?


Even small cracks weaken the overall structure of your windshield. A chip that was originally small can become larger with time. This can lead to damage that ultimately impairs a driver’s vision and the safety of all passengers in the vehicle. Not only do small cracks compromise your windshield’s durability, they have the potential to lead to bigger more costly and time-consuming repairs down the road.

 

Should It Be Repaired or Replaced?

Repair

The size and location of the crack are two main factors in determining whether or not the windshield must be repaired or replaced. In most instances, auto body shops can repair quarter-sized rock chips up to three inches long. Anything bigger and most places will recommend replacing it. Also, windshield repair leaves a mark in the area where the damage occurred. For this reason, if the chip took place in the driver’s line of sight, many shops will recommend having the windshield replaced.

If repair is a viable option, it’s important to get the work done before the damage to your windshield gets even worse.

Replace

Unfortunately, there are those cases where your windshield is beyond saving. For example, if your glass sustains severe damage in a car crash, having the entire glass replaced is not an option.

Replacing a windshield is obviously a much more costly way of returning your glass to its original condition. The cost of these services can vary depending on the vehicle type and cost of the windshield itself.

 

Here at Big City, we are proud to offer superior craftsmanship in windshield replacement, side and back glass replacement, stone chips, crack repairs and mirror replacements. If you are currently looking to have your glass brought back to its original condition, feel free to contact us for a free quote!