Should You Schedule Windshield Repairs or Replacement? 

As you drive down the road, your tires kick up various debris. There is a lot of debris on the road, from broken glass and old nails to large rocks and construction scraps. While this isn’t typically a problem, it can get kicked up and hit your windshield, causing cracks or chips. This damage can be frustrating and unsightly, making driving difficult without getting distracted. But, determining whether you need windshield repairs or replacement can be difficult. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss the dangers of driving with a damaged windshield and whether you need to schedule windshield repairs or replacements to keep yourself safe. 

How Windshields Are Made

Windshields are made of laminated safety glass, a specialized material designed to protect drivers and passengers in the event of an accident. This glass consists of two layers of tempered glass bonded together by a thin layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This PVB layer ensures the glass doesn’t shatter upon impact, reducing the risk of injury from glass shards.

When a windshield is damaged, its structural integrity and safety features are compromised:

• Weakened Strength: Even a small crack or chip can reduce the windshield’s ability to withstand force, making it less effective at protecting passengers during an accident.
• Spread of Damage: The windshield’s layered structure can cause cracks to spread quickly due to vibrations, temperature fluctuations, or even changes in air pressure.
• Impaired Safety Systems: Modern vehicles rely on windshields for properly functioning safety features like airbags and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). A damaged windshield may prevent these systems from working correctly.

Understanding how windshields are designed helps highlight the importance of addressing even minor damage promptly. Ensuring your windshield is in top condition is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance.

The Dangers of Driving with a Damaged Windshield

Although you may think it is all that dangerous, choosing to drive when there is damage to your windshield can be incredibly risky. Some of the most significant risks of driving with a damaged windshield include: 

• Compromised Structural Integrity: In the event of an accident, your windshield helps maintain the car’s structure, especially during rollovers. Cracks or chips weaken this protection, leaving you at an increased risk of injury. 
• Vision Impairment: Even small cracks or chips can obstruct your view, especially when driving in low-light or poor weather conditions. This vision impairment can be especially concerning if you already have vision problems. 
• Additional Damage: Damage can spread over time due to temperature changes, vibrations, or debris impact, turning a small crack into a major safety hazard.

Can You Repair Your Windshield Damage? 

While you may want to schedule windshield repairs, it isn’t always possible. Your windshield can be repaired if: 

• The crack or chip is no longer than three inches. 
• The damage is shallow and hasn’t penetrated through multiple layers of the glass.
• The damage isn’t located directly in the driver’s line of sight.
• The crack hasn’t spread to the edges of the windshield.

If you are unsure whether you need windshield repairs or replacements, you might want to contact a trusted auto glass professional for support. They can assess the condition of your windshield and recommend appropriate actions. 

When You Need a Windshield Replacement

Ultimately, windshield repairs aren’t always an option. In some cases, replacing your windshield is the best option for protecting yourself and your vehicle from additional damage. You may need a windshield replacement if: 

• The damage exceeds repairable size or depth.
• There are multiple cracks or chips across the windshield.
• The damage is in the driver’s line of sight, as repairs may still cause minor distortions.
• The crack has spread to the edges, compromising the entire windshield structure.

While windshield replacement is more expensive than repairs, it is essential for windshields that cannot be repaired. Failing to schedule this appointment is far too risky and should be avoided when possible. 

How Soon After Damage Should You Schedule Repairs or Replacement

If your vehicle’s windshield has sustained damage, you must schedule repairs or replacement as soon as possible. Delaying repairs can allow the damage to spread, increasing the likelihood that a replacement will be needed. Factors like temperature changes, moisture, and vibrations from driving can exacerbate the issue. Immediate action ensures your safety and prevents further damage, saving you time and money in the long run.

Windshield Repairs Across Utah and Idaho

Whether you need windshield repairs or replacement, our team at Valley Glass is ready to help. Since the 1950s, we’ve provided the most reliable, high-quality auto glass installation and repairs across the Wasatch Front. From the smallest chips to large cracks and more, we have the training and experience to remedy this problem quickly. Don’t let this windshield damage plague you any longer. Contact our team at Valley Glass today to schedule windshield repairs or replacements.