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Windshield damage such as cracking or chips is one of the most common kinds of auto glass damage to occur each year, with countless drivers being affected. This can be a stressful situation and can leave you wondering if it is safe to drive a car that has windshield damage. There are risks associated with driving a car with cracked auto glass, many leading to bodily injury. Read below to learn more about the risks of driving with a cracked windshield and the steps you can take to obtain repairs.
Are There Risks To Driving With A Cracked Windshield?
There are risks to driving with a cracked windshield, specifically that the glass can shatter if you drive on bumpy roads or with the fluctuating temperatures in Tempe. One of the main issues with cracked glass is the disruption of the strength and structural integrity of the material. This can lead to a roof collapse in an accident or the failure of your airbag sensors. To avoid putting your safety at risk it’s important to have any damage to your windshield fixed as soon as possible.
Gravel Roads May Lead To Your Windshield Shattering
Your windshield may shatter while driving on a gravel road due to the rocks and flying debris. If these hit an area of your windshield that is compromised with a crack or chip, it can cause the area to spread across the surface, sometimes without warning. This can be dangerous if you are behind the wheel and the crack spreads into your line of sight. While it is never recommended to drive a car with glass damage, it’s important to avoid gravel roads and bumpy terrain until you have a glass replacement.
Fluctuating Temperatures Also Pose An Issue
With the hot summer temperatures in the Tempe, Arizona area, cracked windshields are at an increased risk of shattering or damage spreading across the surface of the glass. When temperatures are extremely hot or fluctuate, it causes the glass to slightly expand and change in size. While this change is minor, it is enough to cause any cracks on the glass to spread across the surface. If your vehicle has glass damage, it’s important to keep it parked in the shade or covered if possible. This can protect the glass from direct sunlight and becoming overly hot.
What Should I Do If My Windshield Is Cracked?
If you notice that your windshield is cracked or damaged with a chip, it’s important to contact a licensed glass repair location as soon as possible. Tempe Windshield provides clients in the Arizona area with quality glass repairs and offers mobile replacements that can travel to your location to help make the process stress-free. When searching for a company, it’s important to choose a shop that is fully licensed and insured, with good reviews from previous clients.
Some Repairs May Be Covered By Insurance
It’s important to note that some glass repairs or replacements may be covered under your auto insurance policy. It will depend on your specific policy coverages as to whether there will be an out-of-pocket cost for the repairs, though your insurance company will be able to help determine those amounts. You can also contact the friendly professionals at Tempe Windshield for assistance with out-of-pocket costs and insurance specifics.
Never Try To Make Repairs At Home
You should never try to fix glass damage at home with DIY kits or remedies because this can lead to more extensive damage in the future. The materials provided in at-home kits are often of a lower grade than professional shops and may not provide strong results. These kits can also not address structural issues in the glass that can affect important systems like lane assist or airbag deployment. If these important systems do not function correctly, it can lead to serious scenarios like an accident or bodily injuries. This is why you should always have your auto glass repaired by a licensed professional that can address any issues with structural integrity.
Contact A Professional Company For Estimates
Contacting a professional company for estimates is a great way to find a local shop that can complete repairs within your set budget. The friendly auto glass experts at Tempe Windshields are happy to provide free estimates on all glass services to existing and new clients. It’s important that you always have a professional garage complete repairs on your glass and avoid using any DIY or at-home kits. The best way to ensure your safety while on the road is to have any damage to your auto glass assessed and repaired as soon as possible.