If you have cracked windshield, it does not necessarily need to be replaced, but the chip should be repaired as soon as possible. Maintaining the windshield will help to ensure safety, and a clear line of sight while operating your vehicle. There are several reasons why windshield rock chips should be repaired rather than disregarded:
- A rock chip can spread or crack at any time
- Rock chip repair can take as little as 30 minutes
- Fixing a rock chip is more economical than replacing the windshield
Driving on uneven surfaces or potholes, will increase the likelihood that the windshield will crack. If the car hits a pothole, the force can cause pressure on the windshield and even create the crack to spread instantly. It is impossible to determine whether a chip will crack and cause greater issue, but if it is a large chip the chances are greater that it will become a crack if left unfixed.
Changes in weather conditions will make a chip more likely to crack with adverse effects on the structural soundness of the windshield. In freezing conditions, the likelihood of horizontal cracks increase as the temperature decreases. While with warm weather, the chips are likely to crack vertically decreasing visibility and strength. Even running air conditioning, the range in temperature between the inside to the outside environment increases the chances of a crack.
It’s a known fact that the windshield can provide up to 30% of a vehicle’s structural strength. In the event of a crash or rollover, the windshield supports the roof and assists the airbags in deploying. Even in everyday driving conditions, a cracked windshield can quickly turn into a safety hazard if the chip cracks suddenly.
Auto glass repair may not be covered by all car insurance policies; avoiding the need for full replacement is the best choice. Call Ace Glass today to have your windshield rock chip repaired!