Is It Safe to Drive Around with a Cracked Windshield?

Calgary drivers are especially prone to damaged windshields. Summers bring unpredictable hail storms while winter while spring means flying rocks from gravel and sand deposited on the roads for traction. It’s tempting to overlook a tiny crack or chip, but even the smallest of damages can become a safety hazard on the road.

For the following reasons, driving your vehicle with a cracked windshield is not advisable. As soon as you see a crack or chip, it’s important to bring your vehicle to a professional auto glass technician for rock chip or cracked windshield repair.

Compromises the structural integrity of your vehicle

An undamaged windshield helps to transfer the impact of a front-end accident, acting as a load-bearing structure that protects the structural integrity of your vehicle.

A windshield also keeps the airbag system in the right place. In the event of a collision, a damaged windshield does not provide the same level of protection and may cause airbags to deploy incorrectly. This increases the risk of injury for you and your passengers.

Obstructs the driver’s view

In addition to compromising a vehicle’s structural integrity, a damaged windshield will obstruct your view of the road. Small cracks and chips can spread to the edges as the temperature fluctuates, further impeding your field of vision. You can prevent this early on by taking your vehicle in for a rock chip repair, no matter how small.

You could be ticketed for a damaged windshield

An obstructed view of the road increases your chance of an accident. For this reason, you could face a costly ticket for a traffic violation. An officer can also give you a deadline in which to get the repair done.

Reduced safety for all passengers

Regardless of the size and position of the chip or crack, continuing to drive a vehicle with a damaged windshield is never a good idea. The sooner you can get to a professional glass technician, the better your chances of avoiding the above issues.