Why A Cracked Windshield Is Dangerous
A car’s windshield performs several key functions ranging from protecting the car’s occupants from the elements and flying debris. A windshield also absorbs the force of impact during a collision and supports the airbags. Substantially, a windshield improves the car’s structural integrity.
However, because a car’s windscreen is typically made of glass, it is prone to breakage and damage. Unfortunately, a damaged windscreen can be a potential safety hazard. For this reason, if your car’s windshield is cracked or chipped, you should get it fixed or replaced as soon as possible. Here is some more information to help you understand why a cracked windshield is dangerous.
An Overview Of Windshield Damage & The Dangers Of Cracked Windshields
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Cars with damaged windshields are a common sight on roads across the country, thanks to flying debris including bugs and small rocks. Still, you should not ignore any type of windshield damage, irrespective of its size. In fact, according to the police and safety experts, any windscreen damage is a potential safety hazard. The most common types of windshield damage include, among others, star-shaped breaks, linear cracks, crack-chips, pits, and bull’s eye damage.
The Dangers Of Using A Damaged Windshield
For safety reasons, you should not drive a car with a damaged windshield for an extended period. This aspect is especially true if the damage is significant or obstructs your view.
It is important to note that a damaged windshield can shatter anytime due to factors such as stress, temperature fluctuations, airborne debris striking the damaged area, or the presence of foreign material, such as dirt, in the crack. Some of the other dangers of driving a car with a damaged windshield include:
A Loss Of Structural Integrity, Particularly In A Head-On Collision
In the event of a head-on collision, an undamaged windshield helps to transfer the force of the crash down to a car’s chassis. It minimizes the effect of the impact inside the vehicle. To put it another way, if the windshield is intact, it will be able to protect you and your passengers better in the event of a head-on collision, minimizing the risk of injury. On the other hand, if your car’s windshield is damaged, the risk of injury is higher in the event of such a collision.
Windshield Damage Causes Ineffective Airbag Deployment During A Collision
In most cars, the windshield is a vital component of the airbag deployment process. Specifically, the windscreen serves as a backstop that causes the side airbag to inflate toward the passenger.
However, because airbags typically deploy with explosive force, they can easily shatter a damaged windshield. When this happens, the airbag may inflate out through the windshield, meaning the airbag will not work as intended.
Less Protection In The Event Of A Roll-Over Accident
One of the functions of a windshield is to support a car’s roof, especially in the event of a roll-over accident. During such an accident, an undamaged windshield would help prevent a car’s roof from collapsing, protecting the car’s occupants. On the other hand, a damaged windshield would not be able to offer such protection to the car’s occupants.
Greater Risk Of Ejection From A Collision
Another critical function of a windshield is to keep a car’s occupants inside the vehicle in the event of a collision, irrespective of whether or not they are wearing safety belts. Of course, a damaged windshield may not be able to offer such protection.
Conclusion
A damaged windshield is dangerous because it is unlikely to perform its safety functions properly. These functions include preventing a car’s roof from collapsing in the event of a roll-over accident, helping a car’s occupants remain inside the car and effective deployment of side airbags in the event of an accident.
Be sure to repair any auto glass damage immediately. Doing so will help keep you and your passengers safe when driving. When searching for the right auto glass shop, make sure to contact Liberty AutoGlass. We offer top-quality services, including windshield repairs, replacements, and more.
Rest assured that our experienced and certified technicians can address all your auto glass problems. We prioritize your needs by providing superior services at affordable costs. Call Liberty AutoGlass today for a free estimate. We offer mobile and in-shop auto glass services.
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-7787 or (877) 90-GLASS if you have any questions. Click here to view our complete mobile auto glass service area in Pennsylvania.