A chipped windscreen comes with many unseen dangers, some of which can life-threatening. Windscreen cracks may seem like a small problem that can be fixed at a later date. But in reality, there are many unseen dangers in not fixing a cracked windscreen.

Your vehicle’s windscreen blocks rain, wind, and more while providing clear visibility while you drive. Some cracks may appear small enough to ignore for the time being but just because you can drive with a cracked windscreen doesn’t mean that you should.

A windscreen not only protects occupants from outside elements but also acts as a protective layer, keeping occupants safe from injury in the event of an accident. The windscreen provides structural integrity to your car. If your windscreen is chipped, you should address it as soon as possible.

By fixing your windscreen immediately you can reduce the chances of a bigger problem down the road. Here are some of the key reasons why you should fix a chip in your windscreen.

Chips can quickly turn to cracks

Small damage can spread quickly due to increased pressure on the windscreen. Pressure can come from something as minor as going through a car wash or changes in temperature. 

Auto glass technicians will tell you that chips that are less than a few inches wide are repairable. However, if a chip expands into a crack, you may have to get the entire windscreen replaced, which is much more costly than a simple repair. 

You should bear in mind that small damage can spread quickly, reduce visibility, and lead to unsafe driving conditions. Address small issues before they become larger ones.

A serious chip or crack compromises the structural integrity of your windscreen

If your windscreen is cracked, the chances of it not doing its job in a collision are greater. If you get into a collision, you may be more likely to suffer injuries from the broken glass with a compromised windscreen. Improper airbag deployment can also be a deadly factor as your windscreen serves as the backdrop that directs the inflated airbag towards you in a collision.

Additionally, the windscreen may not perform properly in the event of a roll-over accident. In a roll-over collision, your vehicle’s roof may be more likely to collapse if the windscreen doesn’t hold up to the weight as it was intended to.

Visual Impairment

When driving, your windscreen is responsible for keeping your view of the road clear and unhindered. If there is even a small crack, and something or someone appears in the blind spot that crack has created, you could be opening yourself up to a bad situation. Cracks can spread over time, so a minor crack that could have been repaired can become a much more costly expense, to the extent of possibly needing a new windscreen.

Debris can complicate repairs

If a windscreen chip isn’t repaired right away, dust and dirt can infiltrate the chip and cause additional problems. 

When dirt gets into a windscreen chip or crack, it becomes stuck in the glass and there’s no way to remove it. If you wait too long to fix it, the dirt inside the glass can cause the resin to not hold as effectively as it should. The resin is designed to adhere to glass, not dirt. So, if doesn’t hold, the chip can begin to crack. In this case, you may need to replace your windscreen.

At the end of the day, it’s best to check with your car care professional and your auto glass technician to address the problem of a chipped or cracked windscreen. Get into the crack before it gets worse. Otherwise, you will definitely need to replace your windscreen and a simple and inexpensive fix will turn into a pocket breaking one.

This is the 19th article in the weekly series, ‘Car Care Tips’ where we highlight various aspects of a car, how to provide care and maintenance for optimal performance while ensuring safety. This series may feature your favourite mechanic or others from the motor vehicle industry.

Read the 18th installment Car Care Tips | Reasons to read your car owner’s manual

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