What To Do If Your Windshield Is Damaged While Driving
It happens to everyone sooner or later while driving- a passing car flicks up a rock or piece of debris and hits your windshield and damages it. Windshield damage while driving is not rare and can come in many forms. It can be a chip, crack, or larger break. Regardless, all windshield damage is potentially dangerous both to you and other drivers. When driving at high speed, or with large temperature variations, for example, a crack can become bigger and even break which means you’ll need to replace the entire windshield. If a windshield breaks while you’re driving, it could lead to a potentially life-threatening situation.
This article discusses what you should do if you experience windshield damage while you are driving on the road.
What To Do When Your Windshield First Breaks
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As soon as you realize that your windshield is damaged, you should pull over and make an examination of the damage. If your windshield has shattered completely, make sure that you are not injured and that there are no shards of glass on your person or any of your passengers. Also, make sure that no glass pieces have made their way into or near any of your air vents.
In the event of a significant break, do not continue driving even if you have partial vision through the damage; it’s dangerous and may be illegal in some states. In the event of a total break, you should call your insurance company to see if they cover windshield replacement costs. If they do, they will send a mobile specialist windshield repair operator to inspect the windshield damage and decide how best to do the repair and your options. However, it is important to note that you can select an auto glass repair shop yourself as long as they work with your insurance company. Those who reside in northeastern Pennsylvania, for example, can call Liberty AutoGlass. We can handle your insurance claim from start to finish!
Windshield Damage: Small Breaks Or Chips
If there is only minor damage to your windshield, make a close examination of the break. If it looks like a small star or there is a cone shape circle deep in the glass you should take your car to have your windshield repaired professionally as soon as possible. These types of chips can quickly lead to heavy cracking of the glass. If you’re driving on rough or poorly maintained roads, the vibration caused can also cause a chip or crack to widen.
As a stopgap measure, if you have some tape available is to put it over the chip or crack to prevent it from spreading further for a short period. DO NOT, however, rely on this as a permanent solution or think that you can use other fixes like superglue or nail polish(!).
The Problem With DIY Windshield Repairs
You may be tempted to perform the repair on your windshield yourself, particularly if the crack is not too large. Repair kits are readily available. However, they will not solve your problem even if you follow the instructions and do the repair carefully.
It takes a lot of skill to repair auto glass. There are also many factors to consider. For example, temperature variations can affect the quality of the repair since glass contracts and expands, depending on the temperature. Also, thoroughly cleaning the area is vital. Furthermore, the materials used play a big role in the repair. It is important to note, that many car owners who perform DIY windshield repairs usually end up doing more damage to their windshield than what they started out with. By the end of their DIY repair, they usually need a windshield replacement. It is better off to take your car to a professional rather than taking a gamble with one of your car’s most important safety features.
Why Use Use A Windshield Repair Specialist?
Whether the damage to your windshield is only a chip or a crack (or significantly worse), the best option is to have the problem looked at immediately by a windshield repair specialist. A specialist that offers mobile services, like Liberty AutoGlass, can arrive on-site and perform any needed repairs. For example, they can use a strong resin-based glue to reinforce the break so that it does not spread.
They will also be able to advise you on the best options for a more long-lasting repair and whether you should take the opportunity to replace your windshield with a new one. If your car is driveable, you can go to a specialist window repair shop when convenient to have an assessment made of the damage to your windshield and the repair options available.
Call Liberty AutoGlass For All Of Your Auto Glass Needs
Liberty AutoGlass is your go-to when you need an experienced and trustworthy auto glass shop in the area. Our team consists of licensed auto glass technicians who can provide the best auto glass services, including windshield replacements, chipped windshield repair, and even more. We also work with all major insurance companies and can handle your claim from beginning to end.
Our shop has certified technicians with the knowledge and experience to deal with any of your problems. You are guaranteed honest assessments, reasonable rates, and exceptional services. Liberty AutoGlass also offers mobile auto glass services. Give Liberty AutoGlass a call to schedule a free estimate today.
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-7787 or (877) 90-GLASS if you have any questions.
