Many things can be the cause of your broken windshield, from hail to debris on the road. All the same, this time of year, a damaged windshield can be especially dangerous. Extreme temperature changes and weather conditions can cause the damage to grow, which can be a problem on the road or an unpleasant discovery when scraping your windshield. You’ll want to take care of this issue right away to keep you safe and prevent further breakage. You have two options for how to do so: either repairing or replacing your windshield. However, there are certain points to factor into your decision, like size, depth, location, and impact.

Location

If your crack or chip is close to the frame of the windshield, it’s likely that you will need to replace it. Even minor damage that comes close to edges or corners can quickly worsen and spread due to vibrations and stress from travel. This can also present a safety issue as it can undermine the structural integrity of the glass. Additionally, your vehicle might have technological systems or components that are embedded in the windshield. To ensure sensors, automatic braking, or driver assistance systems work properly, replacement is the best course of action. 

Depth

Your windshield is made of laminated safety glass, which is, in basic terms, a piece of plastic sandwiched between layers of glass. If the damage penetrates through the plastic or inner layer of glass, it can’t be repaired. This also applies to a windshield with any damage on the interior glass, even if there’s no damage on the exterior. 

Dimensions

There are limitations to what kind of damage can be fixed while still maintaining a safely operating vehicle. Chips or bullseyes where the damage begins can be fixed safely if they are up to 1 inch in diameter, as well as cracks from 12-14 inches in length. 

Safety & Visibility

Like most auto repair, the top priority when it comes to windshield repair or replacement is safety. Though you can generally continue to drive with a broken windshield for a short distance, you should try to solve this problem as soon as possible. Our car’s windshield is engineered as a key point to the structural integrity of the vehicle. When weakened by a crack or chip, your windshield cannot provide the protection it’s designed to.

Another key factor of your windshield is visibility. If it has been damaged in a way that intrudes on the driver’s safety, that’s naturally a safety risk, and in some states, is illegal. If the crack or chip is in the way of your view of the road, replacement is recommended. 

Hopefully with this information, you’ll be able to make the right decision for you and your vehicle so you can stay safe out there. For more information, reach out to us today!