Will The Windshield Shatter If A Crack Is Not Repaired?
It never hurts to be cautious. Car owners should make visual inspections a habit. Most problems are easy to spot if you care enough to check, such as chips or cracks on the windshield. Do not make the mistake of thinking that these are trivial blemishes. Cracks can grow and spread across the glass. They can compromise the integrity of the structure. Read on to learn the truth behind windshield cracks and how you should deal with them to prevent windshield shatter.
Will The Windshield Shatter If a Crack Is Not Repaired?
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Yes, you can end up with a shattered windshield. Small windshield cracks can grow until they cover the entire panel. You will have a hard time seeing ahead as you drive. As a small consolation, you won’t have to worry about flying shards. What seems like a single piece of glass are two panels fused by a strong adhesive. It keeps everything together despite extensive damage. However, you will still have to pay for an expensive windshield replacement. The following factors can make cracks worse while you delay windshield repairs:
1. Environment
Even a parked car can sustain damage in a harsh environment. Remember that water is persistent. Moisture from dew, rain, or snow may enter the cracks and weaken the windshield. In winter, this water could freeze and swell from inside the glass. The pressure will stress the structure and make the cracks grow.
Watch out for extreme temperature fluctuations as well. These cause significant expansion and contraction. If you park your car under direct sunlight, don’t crank up the air conditioner immediately for a quick cooldown. Open the windows to let hot air move out of the interiors. Turn on the AC with mild settings for gradual cooling.
Related Article: Can Windshields Crack From The Summer Heat?
2. Dirt
Airborne dirt can settle on the glass surface. Some particles may eventually get inside the cracks and weaken the panel. Do you want to prevent entry? Cover the damaged sections with clear tape. The adhesive will block dirt without obstructing the view. You can drive around with confidence under this arrangement. It may not be an elegant solution, but it is effective. Use it as a temporary deterrent while you schedule auto glass repairs. The professionals in auto glass repair shops will take care of the rest.
Related Article: How To Find Windshield Leaks
3. Bumps
In an ideal world, every road is flat and wide. You can drive carefree while enjoying the views and your playlist. In reality, you will encounter bumps and dips. You may try, but you cannot avoid all of them. Rough sections can be stressful for both the passengers and the windshield. You might feel nauseous after the ordeal. As for the windshield cracks, you might notice them spreading because of this. The rate of growth will depend on the amount and frequency of stress. Send the car to a repair shop to prevent further problems.
Why You Should Take Care of Your Windshield
The windshield is not just a piece of decorative glass. It is a vital part of the structure that serves multiple functions. For example, it shields you from fast winds while you drive, so you don’t need eyewear to protect your eyes from dirt. It blocks outside noise so you can hear your favorite music. It deals with rain, hail, and debris so you can focus on the road ahead.
Take care of your windshield, and it will take care of you. Try to send it to the repair shop at the slightest hint of damage. This glass panel can save your life in sticky situations. Car makers strengthen it to provide excellent impact protection in case of accidents. It is invaluable during front-end collisions and rollover accidents. Consider the following scenarios:
1. Front-end Collisions
Do you often drive on busy roadways? The high traffic volume increases your risk of getting into a vehicle collision. Bad road conditions, such as what you may encounter during Pennsylvania winters, can also cause deadly pileups.
Undamaged windshields can keep you safe in front-end collisions. They improve the structural integrity of the car. They also transfer impact forces throughout the frame. This will minimize vehicle damage and protect the passengers. If there is a big crack, it cannot do its job. It can shatter under stress and put you at risk of injury.
2. Rollover Accidents
Some accidents are so severe that cars roll over. Common causes include high speed, drunk driving, bad roads, and tall vehicles — a mixture of physics and behavior. When a car is upside-down, it relies on its frame for support. It is a heavy burden that it cannot bear alone. Undamaged windshields are strong enough to help the frame carry the load, whereas cracked windshields may buckle under pressure. The roof may collapse upon impact and trigger serious head injuries. You want full vertical support, just in case. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Conclusion
The windshield is a primary safety feature. Your vehicle will not be the same without it. Despite how it looks, the glass is tough and durable. However, it is not immune to damage. Avoid getting into situations where it might sustain chips and cracks. In case you discover these blemishes on your panel, schedule professional repairs. Do it as soon as possible. These problems worsen over time, and you do not want to deal with a wide crack. Consult the specialists on whether to repair or replace and implement the solution immediately.
For Superior Auto Glass Repairs, Call Liberty AutoGlass
Liberty AutoGlass offers auto glass repair using the highest quality materials and the most advanced auto glass technology to repair your auto glass correctly and quickly. We offer mobile services so we can repair your damaged auto glass at the convenience of your home or office. This means that we come to wherever your vehicle is parked, and you can go about your day as you would normally. We fix windshields, back glass, door glass, vent glass, and quarter glass. We also can handle your insurance claim from start to finish, making the process easier for you! Call Liberty AutoGlass today to find out more!
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.
