Don’t Drive with a Chipped Windshield – Here’s Why
As you drive through town, you might not think anything of that little chip in your windshield. Chips can do more than affect the appearance of the car. We at Auto Market of Florida are here to tell you why you shouldn’t drive with a chipped windshield.
It Can Spread Over Time
Your little chip might start small at first, but it is bound to get bigger over time. Cracks tend to spiderweb and grow as temperatures rise outside, and you quickly blast your air conditioner when you get in your car. This can make the glass heat up, expand and then shrink once the cold air hits, making the crack lengthen. Cracks can also spread over time when more rocks or debris hit your windshield, when debris and dirt get caught inside it and when there is vibration in the car (like when you drive over a bump). The bigger the crack gets, the more dangerous it can be for you as you drive.
It Can Hinder Your Vision
This might seem obvious, but many believe a little chip or crack isn’t a big deal and it doesn’t affect your driving. Often, these chips and cracks can be in just the right spot to obstruct your vision and make it difficult to see as you drive, no matter how big or small it might be. And although the crack might seem harmless, moisture, dirt, and sand can get caught in the chip and cause distortion, making it even harder to see. Chips can be hazardous in foggy or stormy weather because they take away the clarity you need to drive safely. And not only can a chipped windshield make it tougher to see, but at a precise angle, the sun can hit the chip and reflect perfectly into your eyes, making you blinded and susceptible to an accident.
It Can Affect the Car’s Structure and Affect Your Safety
Little did you know, the car’s windshield does more than keep the wind off your face and bugs out of your hair. The windshield is a vital part of the car’s safety system, making up to 45% of the car’s structural integrity in a collision and 60% in a rollover. In cases of an accident, the windshield keeps the car’s roof from crashing onto you and your passengers. The windshield also helps with airbag deployment and helps keep passengers in the car. When you have a chipped or cracked windshield, the car’s structural integrity is compromised, and your safety is affected. Furthermore, a cracked or chipped windshield is more likely to shatter in an accident, sending shards of glass at you and your passengers, than a windshield without imperfection.
So, because a chip can spread over time, obstruct your vision, and hinder the car’s structural integrity and your safety, it’s important not to drive with a chipped windshield and get your windshield replaced quickly.
For more information on when to replace your windshield or to shop around for a new-and-improved vehicle, contact Auto Market of Florida today! We are thrilled to help you learn more about cars and help you find the ride that is the right fit for you.