Replace Your Cracked Windshield And Avoid A Tow
A cracked windshield is more than just unsightly — it’s a safety threat that could result in your car getting towed.
Whether a police officer cites you for driving a dangerous vehicle or the cracked windshield contributes to the cause of a car accident, you can avoid the need for towing by making sure you get windshield repair or replacement before it’s too late.
A Cracked Windshield Is Dangerous
A windshield has many responsibilities. Yes, it shields you from the wind, bugs and oncoming objects, but it’s also a major structural component of your vehicle — it supports the roof of your car.
If you’re in an accident, a solid windshield helps hold the frame upright, ensuring you won’t be crushed. But if it’s cracked, it can buckle and break much easier than it would otherwise, putting you at risk.
Assess the Size and Depth of the Damage
The first step is assessing the extent of the damage. Modern technology allows auto glass technicians to repair long cracks that extend across much of the windshield. The depth of the crack is what matters more. If the dent, chip or crack is too deep, you will have to replace the entire windshield.
Whether a crack can be repaired also depends on where it originated. If the crack reaches to the edge of the windshield, the technician may not be able to verify the windshield’s structural integrity even after a repair, so replacement may be necessary.
Your auto glass repair technician is the best source of information when you’re trying to decide if a cracked windshield is repairable.
But remember that any auto glass damage that is in your direct line of vision is considered a driving hazard. Depending on the local laws, you could be cited, and if the crack is especially bad, the officer may order you to stop driving the vehicle immediately, for your own safety and the safety of other motorists.
Keep Auto Glass Clear to Avoid Distracted Driving
Besides getting immediate repairs for a cracked windshield, you also should keep up with other forms of auto glass maintenance. Replace your wiper blades when they are worn out. Keep your windshield washer fluid reservoir full. Only wash the glass with auto windshield cleaner, not household glass cleaner, to avoid streaking.
A clear windshield is vital to reducing the chances of an accident due to distracted driving.
If your cracked windshield has made it unsafe to drive, call Stauffer’s Towing for a lift to the nearest auto glass repair shop — professional, affordable service is available around the clock.
